By Akinwale Kasali
Less than 48 hours after the demise of Nollywood Actress, Tope Osoba, the make-believe industry has lost another prominent Movie Director and Producer, Dimbo Atiya.
The news of Atiya’s passing was announced by Seun Oloketuyi, Founder, Best of Nollywood, BON, Awards, in a post shared on Instagram.
He was reported to have died on Thursday morning, although the cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.
He wrote, “Dimba Atiya is dead. The top Nollywood director passed on this morning. Details later.”
Reacting to the sudden demise of Atiya, Actor, Mofe Duncan and film Producer, Uzee Usman, announced the news on their Instagram pages on Thursday, with Duncan paying tribute to the late filmmaker.
Duncan expressed his grief over Atiya’s passing, describing him as one of the entertainment industry’s greatest minds.
“God, no. Not Dimbo. No, no. I’m devastated. One of the greatest minds in the entertainment industry,” the actor wrote.
In the same vein, Usman expressed shock and pain over Atiya’s death, revealing that they had spoken recently before his passing.
He added that many people, particularly in Abuja, relied on the late producer and would feel the impact of his absence.
“Honestly, I can’t relate, my God. Oga Dims, you sent me a message yesterday about my eyes, and you told me how you’re managing yours as well.
“You called to joke about my Apollo and how I should find my way back to Abuja. Please don’t do this; lots of people depend on you, especially in Abuja. This one pains me.”
The late Atiya was a native of Nasarawa State, and would be remembered for his triumph at the won the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA, where he won the award for the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series with “Halita”, which he produced.
Recall that in 2012, the late Atiya enrolled at the New York Film Academy, where he completed professional training in filmmaking and production at the institution’s campuses in New York and California.
Throughout his career, Atiya produced more than 500 television episodes and five feature films.
His productions created employment opportunities for over 100 actors and nearly 400 crew members.
He also worked as a photographer for the London Theatre and later served as Head of Photography at the online retail platform Konga.com.
Until his sudden demise, the Late Atiya served as co-creator, executive producer, producer, co-writer and director of “The Rishantes”, a drama series aired on Africa Magic and Showmax.
The series received a nomination and won the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series.
His film credits included “Drawing Strength”, “Still Falling: Season 2”, “The Plan” (TV miniseries) and “Dala Dala”, among other productions.
He had rose from obscurity to national prominence with “Sons of the Caliphate”, a political drama series that examined themes of power, ambition, family loyalty and political manoeuvring.
He also created and produced the series, which featured prominent actors such as Yakubu Mohammed, Paul Sambo, Mofe Duncan, and Rahama Sadau.
His death however came as rude shock to his colleagues, fans, actors and actress in the industry.
Though his Families and Management are yet to announce his death, but his colleagues continued to honour him with tributes on their social media platforms.
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