President Bola Tinubu has called on members of Nigeria’s creative industry and Nigerians generally to honour the memory of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.
The President made the call as he expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the veteran actor, filmmaker and screenwriter following his passing.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Hassan as a distinguished artiste whose career spanned several decades and whose contributions helped shape the development of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He noted that through his distinctive acting style, commanding screen presence and dedication to his craft, Ogogo entertained generations of Nigerians while promoting the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.
President Tinubu said the late actor’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, and that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further reinforced his enduring legacy in the creative industry.
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“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the President said.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.
Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while working as an Engineer at the Ogun State Water Corporation, where he spent about 13 years.
He combined both professions until 1994, when he left his mechanical job to pursue acting full-time, subsequently establishing himself as one of the prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry.
