A veteran actor who was one of the pioneers of the local film industry has passed away with his numerous fans left shell-shocked.
Kasimu Yero
Seasoned actor, Kasimu Yero, who was one of the lead characters in the rested NTA sitcom, Cock Crow At Dawn, has died at the age of 70.
Yero reportedly died on Sunday at his residence in Kaduna after a protracted illness and was buried at the Bachama Road Cemetery, also in the Kaduna State capital.
The actor, whose passage came as a shock to members of the creative community in northern Nigeria, was also one of the lead characters in Abubakar Imam’s television drama series in Hausa, ‘Magana Jari Ce.’
Better known for his role as Uncle Gaga in Cock Crow at Dawn, he was survived by eight children. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, in his reaction to the news of Yero’s death on Sunday, described him as a shining star and a colossus of the Nigerian entertainment industry that would be missed by all.
El-Rufai also noted that Yero’s talent and contributions to culture had brought him fame nationwide and put him in the forefront of drama in northern Nigeria.
“He was a talented artist, who also mentored several artists that are now household names in their own right.
“He devoted his talents to nation building, preaching unity across religion, ethnic and regional lines. We are proud of his contributions to culture and national unity,” the governor said.
He condoled with the family of the deceased, the Zazzau Emirate and the entire creative community in the country.