Shettima, deputy Senate president mourn Samanja
Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, have mourned Usman Baba-Patigi, a Nollywood actor, fondly known as Samanja, who died at the age of 81.
Shettima stated this via his verified Facebook page on Sunday.
The vice president said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Alhaji Usman Baba-Patigi, fondly known as Samanja. His presence on TV and radio brought joy and laughter to various generations of Nigerians. Through humour and sincerity, he explored our diversity and mirrored our society to remind us of our shared values and humanity.
” Like millions of other Nigerians, I am grateful for the enduring memory he created and the legacy he left behind after decades of contributions to arts and society.”
Shettima described the deceased as a pan-Nigerian ambassador and a patriot extraordinaire.
He added, “May Allah repose his soul and grant his loved ones the strength to bear this loss. Ameen.”
The death was revealed by a theatre consultant, Husseini Shaibu, on Sunday via his Facebook page. The cause of his death has yet to be unknown.
Mr Shaibu said, “I have been reliably informed that light has dimmed on the veteran actor, Usman Baba-Pategi, popularly known as Samanja Mazan Fama.
“The actor who rode to national prominence in the 80’s playing Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series (about life of Soldiers in the barracks), titled ‘Samanja,’ reportedly passed on around 12 midnight on Sunday.
“The last time I saw Samanja was in Lagos in 2019, when he was awarded the Fellowship of Theatre Arts by the Israel Eboh-led National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners.’’
Also, Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, acknowledged Samanja’s vital role in cultural enrichment and promoting unity through his craft.
“In this time of sorrow, I extend heartfelt sympathies to Samanja’s family, friends and the entire entertainment industry. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those who enjoyed his work and his impact on the cultural landscape will be remembered with gratitude.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May Allah grant him paradise and give his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Hot news Home top
Afreximbank commits $75 million finance facility to DBN SMEs funding
Ms Awani said, “Our objective is to help Nigerian SMEs build productive capacity and strengthen their competitiveness.”
Diaspora
U.S.-based Nigerian ex-patrol officer Sinmi Asomuyide jailed for handcuffing, raping teenager inside police car
The FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge, Timothy O’malley, said the officer had abused the trust placed in him and attempted to cover up his crimes.
Agriculture
FAO, GEF commit $7.1 million for sustainable food system in Niger, Kebbi
Ms Ogunkua urged stakeholders to take ownership of the programme.
NationWide
Minister inaugurates five CNG stations in Lagos to ease transportation costs
The stations are located at Idimu, Ogolonto, Abule-Egba, Ajah and Oko-Oba.
World
Ezidi victim-survivors of ISIS genocide in Iraq, Syria to share stories before truth commission
The statement said, “Victim-survivors, including women and men of all ages, will share their stories publicly for the first time.”
NationWide
2027: NHRC, EU, IPAC recommend urgent measures to protect civic, political space
Mr Mignot reaffirmed the commitment of the European Union and its member states to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and legitimate stakeholders.
