The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has described the late veteran Nigerian actor, Chief Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as “Ogogo”, as more than a movie star, saying he was a custodian of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Hassan’s death was announced on Sunday by one of his daughters in an Instagram post, days after his family disclosed that the veteran actor had been battling stage four cancer.
Reacting to his death, Musawa, in a statement issued by her media aide, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze, described the actor as a towering figure whose discipline, talent and dedication helped shape Nollywood and inspire generations of actors, directors and producers.
“Ogogo was not just a star on our screens. He was a custodian of our culture, a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling, and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry,” she said.
“For many years, he made us laugh, made us think, and made us proud of who we are as Nigerians.”
The minister said Hassan brought Yoruba culture and cinema to millions of people in Nigeria and beyond, making him a source of pride to the country’s creative economy.
She noted that his works celebrated Nigeria’s heritage and projected the richness of its traditions to audiences worldwide.
“His works celebrated our heritage and projected the richness of our traditions to the world. The industry has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the films he left behind,” Musawa said.
On behalf of the ministry, the creative community and stakeholders across the arts and culture sector, the minister extended condolences to Hassan’s family, his colleagues in Nollywood, fans and the people of Ogun State.
She prayed that God would grant the family and the Nigerian film industry the strength to bear the loss and grant the late actor eternal rest.
Hassan’s death was announced on Sunday by one of his daughters in an Instagram post, days after his family disclosed that the veteran actor had been battling stage four cancer.
Reacting to his death, Musawa, in a statement issued by her media aide, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze, described the actor as a towering figure whose discipline, talent and dedication helped shape Nollywood and inspire generations of actors, directors and producers.
“Ogogo was not just a star on our screens. He was a custodian of our culture, a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling, and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry,” she said.
“For many years, he made us laugh, made us think, and made us proud of who we are as Nigerians.”
The minister said Hassan brought Yoruba culture and cinema to millions of people in Nigeria and beyond, making him a source of pride to the country’s creative economy.
She noted that his works celebrated Nigeria’s heritage and projected the richness of its traditions to audiences worldwide.
“His works celebrated our heritage and projected the richness of our traditions to the world. The industry has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the films he left behind,” Musawa said.
On behalf of the ministry, the creative community and stakeholders across the arts and culture sector, the minister extended condolences to Hassan’s family, his colleagues in Nollywood, fans and the people of Ogun State.
She prayed that God would grant the family and the Nigerian film industry the strength to bear the loss and grant the late actor eternal rest.
