Tragedy as Popular Yoruba Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Battle with Cancer
Ayo Marvel 
Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, who passed away after battling breast cancer.
Kareem’s death was announced on Tuesday by Owolabi Ajasa, the Ogun State governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), in a statement shared on his Instagram page.
Ajasa expressed appreciation to colleagues, fans and well-wishers who supported the actress financially and emotionally during her illness, but said their efforts had ultimately not been enough to save her.
“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call,” Ajasa said.
He added that the association remained grateful to everyone who contributed towards Kareem’s treatment, offered prayers or encouraged her and her family during the difficult period.
The actress had publicly appealed for assistance during her battle with breast cancer. In a video circulated online, Kareem disclosed that she had been receiving treatment for some time and that the financial burden had placed considerable pressure on her family.
“I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help,” she said in the appeal.
Kareem also revealed that she was a mother of two young children as she appealed to Nigerians and other well-wishers to assist with her treatment.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the Yoruba film industry, coming barely days after the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Kareem’s passing has therefore deepened the sense of loss within an industry that has endured a string of bereavements involving actors and other practitioners.
The TAMPAN Ogun chapter described her death as an “irrecoverable loss” and prayed for strength for her family, colleagues and loved ones.
Ajasa said the association could only accept the development and entrust Kareem’s soul to God.
“We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.
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Ademola Busayo 
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 