TRIBUTE
Legendary actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba, who since 2017 had been fighting a losing with prostate cancer and leukaemia, eventually succumbed to death by these ailments on Wednesday, March 3. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes
This was how it used to be like back then: Nigerian Television Authorityâs estimated 30 million viewers would hear Bongos Ikwueâs sonorous voice and know that it was time for Cockcrow at Dawn. That voice, which was accompanied by the strum of his guitar, had the effect of a pheromone on families across Nigeria, keeping them glued to their television sets.
Cockcrow at Dawn â which shared the same title as its music â used to feature many colourful characters, among whom was Bitrus. And the character Bitrus â played by Abubakar Sadiq Daba who died on Wednesday, March 3 â had remained evergreen in the television audienceâs memory.
- Advertisement -
News filtered in barely 24hrs ago that death has laid its icy hands on yet another Nollywood stalwart, Sadiq Daba.Â
- Advertisement -
Preliminary reports never stated the cause of his death but in new development, as sighted on Instabog9ja, it’s revealed that the later actor and broadcaster died after a long battle with leukemia and prostate cancer. His death has been confirmed by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.
Afolayan said he spoke with his wife and son who confirmed his passing to him. Many Nigerians including billionaire Femi Otedola donated money for his treatment abroad and gave out-pouring support on social media.
It is true that most times people would only say good things about a person, only when such person passes on. One of the things this may mean is that death is not necessarily a bad experience; it may afford an opportunity for the unfolding of good deeds.
Daba in his prime
Death, of course, may reduce number; but it may give room for number to be added. Death may first destroy; but it makes in the end. As it often does, death comes with sorrow; but it also ushers in joy. Death can dampen emotions; but it can also inspire. Death may signal the end; but it makes a new beginning. It can cause decay; but the decay it causes is the beginning of bloom, the beginning of growth.
Punch Newspapers
Sections
Tofarati Ige
Days after the demise of veteran actor, Sadiq Daba, tributes have continued to pour in for him from all corners of the movie industry.
Daba died on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, after a long battle with leukemia and prostate cancer. He was buried the next day according to Islamic rites at the Agege area of Lagos State.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria described Daba as a strategic thinker and visionary. A tribute sent to
Saturday Beats by the president of the AGN, Emeka Rollas read, “Sadiq Daba was a strategic thinker, a visionary, innovative and creative man. As such, he contributed much to the development of the broadcast industry and growth of the acting profession.
Sadiq Daba, renowned actor and broadcaster, dies at age 69
A little over three years after announcing his recuperation from prostate cancer and leukaemia in a London hospital, renowned actor, broadcaster, producer and director, Sadiq Abubakar Daba died on Wednesday evening in Lagos. For more than four decades, Dabaâs name has been engraved in public consciousness, thanks to his role as âBitrusâ in the rested Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) soap opera, âCock Crow at Dawnâ. As one of the few professionals who could give a good account of themselves either on live stage or on television and silver screen, Daba plied his trade with admiration. At the emergence of the Nigerian film industry, Daba was also not afraid to offer his experience and versatility.