-By Abdulkarim Sani
The entertainment industry in Nigeria was thrown into mourning on 3rd March 2021 when the news of the death of one of the best crop of broadcasters and actor, Sadiq Abubakar Daba, known simply as Sadiq Daba broke.
The actor who battled cancer for half a decade started his secondary education at St. Edward’s Secondary School and obtained higher degrees in many institutions, including the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. For years, he had worked as a broadcaster for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). It was usual for media personalities to be involved in theatre at the time, and it was no surprise that he came into the limelight in the late 1970s, starring in the series, Cock crow at Dawn.
His recognition by stakeholders in the movie industry who gave him the title, Garkuwan Nollywood (Shield of Nollywood) in 2018, was a fitting tribute to his pioneering and enduring role in the industry.
Most Nigerians and non-Nigerians who have watched the 2020 blockbuster Nollywood movie, Citation, would not have realised what pain the veteran actor, Sadiq Abubakar Daba, underwent while featuring in the movie.
According to movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, Daba actually had an oxygen machine close by as he played his alloted role in the movie, understandably a cameo appearance.
Daba’s passion for theatre and the arts was exemplary. Although he had been away from the limelight for years, Daba did not fail to deliver when he was called upon to feature in the 2014 Nollywood blockbuster, October 1. He in fact won the 2015 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Inspector Waziri in the movie.
The Fight with Cancer
Daba announced his diagnosis of Leukemia and Prostate Cancer in 2017 and was supported with fundraising by several Nigerians including Josephine Obiajulu Odumakin, Mabel Oboh. On 3 February 2018, Daba joined Project Pink Blue to walk against cancer to commemorate World Cancer Day. He died on the 3rd of March, 2021.
TRIBUTES
Since the announcement of his death, Nigerians from all works of life showered tributes to the ace actor and broadcaster, top among them was former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
In a tribute on his Instagram page, the former vice president thanked the deceased for the joy he brought into many homes through his talent.
“Sad that the Cock will no longer crow at dawn. Sadiq Daba, thank you for the joy you brought into our homes. May your sins be forgiven and your memories be a blessing,” Atiku wrote.
Also, paying tribute to the deceased on his Instagram page, popular filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, who featured Sadiq Daba in his latest movie, Citation, which was released last October, described the late actor as “the greatest warrior we’ve ever known, whose undaunting nature shone brightly during his time on set with us.”
In a short video, which he posted on IG, Afolayan recaptured the excellent performance of the late actor in his award-winning movie, October 1, which won him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Inspector Waziri.
Also Christopher Galloway on his Twitter wrote “The life of one we love is never lost. His influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched.
“Just like the impact of our dear beloved one, Mr Sadiq Daba whose ever positive and enlightening presence left an unforgettable mark in our hearts. We’ve come a long way as a family, and we are truly grateful for every moment we shared.”
Dr. Joe Odumakin said Daba’s demise was a shock.
“God, I need all the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. Words fail me,” she tweeted.
