President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family, friends and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Hassan as a distinguished artiste whose decades-long career contributed significantly to the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.
The President praised Ogogo for his distinctive acting style, commanding screen presence and dedication to his craft, noting that his works entertained generations of Nigerians while promoting Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Tinubu said Ogogo’s legacy would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, particularly through his influence and mentorship of younger artistes.
The President described his death as a major loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the wider Nigerian creative community, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for his loved ones.
He also urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and promoting the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he dedicated his life.
Before achieving fame, Ogogo worked as a mechanic with the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years. He began his acting career in 1981 while still working as a mechanic and eventually left the job in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
