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Culture Minister, Obi mourn Sisi Quadri, Mr Ibu

THE Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has mourned the passing of Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu and popular Nollywood comedian, Quadri Oyebamiji, fondly called Sisi Quadri.

The minister in separate statements, commiserated with the movie industry, family and friends of late actors, and expressed shock over the sudden demise of the comic actors.

A statement through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, on Saturday, February 2 said Sisi Quadri’s death was saddening, given his many accomplishments in recent times.


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“His death at this time when he should be reaping the fruits of his labour is untimely and saddening,” she said.

The ICIR reported that Sisi Quadri passed away on Friday, March 1 at the age of 44.

He rose to fame in 2004 after his role in ‘Seniyan Seranko’ and also the 2020 film, ‘Ebundola’. He also starred in Kunle Afolayan’s Netwlfil original, ‘Anikulapo: The Return of Spectre,’ scheduled for release on the day he died – March 1.

In another statement on Sunday, February 3, Musawa expressed sadness over the death of renowned Nollywood actor, Mr Ibu.

The minister described Mr Ibu’s death as ‘very unfortunate’ and a sad one for the entertainment industry.

“I’m deeply shocked at too many deaths occurring at the same time. Mr Ibu was a household name who made families happy throughout his acting career.

“His death at this time is very unfortunate and a sad one for us all in the entertainment industry,” she stated.

Mr Ibu died on Saturday, March 2 in a hospital in Lagos State, after battling with serious health issues.

In 2023, The ICIR reported that the deceased family had taken to social media to solicit support from the public after which they revealed he had seven successful surgeries, including the amputation of one of his legs.

Confirming the death of the actor, the president of Action Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, revealed that the actor had suffered cardiac arrest for years.

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Obi mourns

Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has joined other Nigerians in mourning the deaths of the two comic actors. 



Obi, in a statement, said the entertainment industry would miss the talents of the young actor, Sisi Quadri, whom he said was known for his brilliant interpretation of roles and energetic performances.

He also described the death of the ace actor Mr Ibu as a ‘huge loss’ to the nation.




     

     

    “His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness. When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.

    “His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life,” he wrote.

    The ICIR reports that already in 2024, the Yoruba film industry has recorded the death of three notable actors. In January, the veteran actor, Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died at the age of 73 while in February, actor and playwright, Jimi Solanke, passed on at the age of 81.

    Quadri’s death on March 1 took the toll to three in less than three months into the year.

    Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M

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