The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Ogun State chapter, has confirmed the death of Nollywood actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem after a battle with breast cancer. Her death, announced on Tuesday, September 1, makes her the third Nigerian actor or actress to die from cancer in 2026.
TAMPAN Confirms Death of Actress Atinuke Kareem
TAMPAN Ogun State Executive Governor, Owolabi Ajasa, announced Kareem's death, describing it as a painful loss to her family, colleagues, and the Nigerian entertainment industry. The association noted that colleagues, fans, friends, and well-wishers had contributed financially and offered prayers and encouragement during her treatment, but she eventually died despite efforts to save her life.
Before her death, Kareem had publicly appealed for financial assistance to continue her treatment. In a video shared during her illness, she disclosed that she had spent a significant amount of money on treatment and that colleagues within TAMPAN had also supported her. She also revealed that she had two young children and appealed to Nigerians to support her as she continued her fight against the disease.
Third Cancer-Related Death in Nollywood This Year
Kareem's death comes less than two weeks after the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on August 23 at the age of 66. Ogogo, a veteran actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter with more than four decades in the industry, had been battling stage-four cancer before his death. His family had earlier made the diagnosis public, although the specific type of cancer was not disclosed.
Earlier in the year, Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo also died after a battle with cancer. The 40-year-old actor died in May, with his family later confirming that he died from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer. His death was followed by funeral ceremonies in Abia State, where he was laid to rest in June.
With Kareem's death, the three documented cancer-related deaths recorded among Nollywood actors and actresses in 2026 are Alexx Ekubo, Taiwo Hassan “Ogogo,” and Atinuke Kareem.
Rising Cancer Awareness and Financial Burden
The deaths have drawn renewed attention to the health challenges faced by people in Nigeria, particularly the financial burden associated with cancer treatment. Kareem's own public appeal highlighted how expensive prolonged cancer care can become, while Ogogo's family also publicly sought help during his illness.
The recent wave of cancer diagnoses and deaths within Nollywood highlights a concerning rise of the disease among aging industry veterans. Following the recent passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) after a battle with stage-four cancer, fellow actor Musiliu Dasofunjo, known as Baba Johunomi, publicly revealed his own struggle with prostate cancer. Emphasizing that "cancer is now on the rise," Baba Johunomi shared his story to raise awareness about recognizing early warning signs.
For Kareem, TAMPAN's announcement and reports of her own public appeal establish her death as another cancer-related loss for Nollywood, following the deaths of Ekubo and Ogogo earlier in the year.
