Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem has died following a prolonged battle with breast cancer, leaving colleagues, fans and members of the Yoruba film community in mourning.
The Ogun State chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria confirmed her death on Tuesday.
The announcement was made by actor and TAMPAN Ogun State Executive Governor, Owolabi Ajasa, who shared a statement alongside a video showing the actress during one of the most difficult periods of her illness.
In the video, Kareem had made a public appeal for help after the cost of her treatment placed significant financial pressure on her family.
She explained that her relatives had already spent considerable amounts on her medical care and that members of TAMPAN had also provided assistance.
Despite the support, she said more help was needed and appealed directly to Nigerians not to abandon her.
The actress also spoke about her two young children while asking members of the public to contribute whatever they could towards her treatment.
Her appeal attracted financial support, prayers and messages of encouragement from colleagues, fans and well-wishers.
Following her passing, TAMPAN Ogun State expressed gratitude to everyone who stood by Kareem throughout her medical battle.
In a statement issued through the association’s Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, TAMPAN said the assistance provided to the actress and her family was greatly valued.
The association described her death as a painful loss and prayed that her loved ones would receive the strength needed to cope with the tragedy.
Kareem’s passing has once again drawn attention to the health and financial challenges that can confront entertainers when dealing with serious illnesses.
It has also prompted renewed tributes from members of the film community, many of whom remember her not only for her acting career but also for the courage she displayed during her illness.
As colleagues and admirers mourn her passing, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem will be remembered as part of the community of performers who contributed to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema in Nigeria.
