By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Lagos State Government has expressed grief over the death of veteran actor and cultural icon, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s creative and cultural industry.
The state government, in a condolence message issued through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said Hassan’s decades-long career contributed significantly to the promotion of Yoruba culture and the growth of the entertainment industry in Lagos and Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the late actor as a gifted storyteller and cultural ambassador who used his craft to preserve and project Yoruba heritage.
Benson-Awoyinka said Hassan’s influence went beyond his performances on stage and screen, noting that he helped introduce generations of audiences to the richness of Yoruba traditions, values and cultural expressions.
“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage.
“Through his remarkable career, he entertained generations while showcasing and preserving the rich cultural values of the Yoruba people on stage and screen,” she said.
The commissioner said Hassan’s commitment to theatre, Yoruba culture and the broader entertainment industry had left an enduring mark on the creative landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.
She added that his body of work would continue to inspire upcoming actors, filmmakers and other practitioners in the creative sector.
According to her, “He dedicated many years to the promotion of Yoruba culture, theatre and the entertainment industry. His contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Benson-Awoyinka extended the ministry’s condolences to Hassan’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nollywood and creative arts community, saying his death would be deeply felt by those who encountered his talent, passion and warmth.
“His departure is a great loss to the creative and cultural community. We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” she stated.
The ministry urged members of the creative community and admirers of the late actor’s work to draw inspiration from his dedication to his craft and his contributions to the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
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