Following the news of the death of veteran broadcaster and actor Sadiq Daba, tributes have been raining-in on the departed soul of the great icon for the great impact he made on screen.
Notable among the several comments made about Sadiq who died on 3rd of March 2021 was that of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the ex-Vice President of Nigeria. He said; “Sad that the cock will no longer crow at dawn! Sadiq Daba, thank you for the joy you brought into our homes. May your sins be forgiven and your memories be a blessing.”
Ex-Senator, Shehu Sani also said in his tribute, “He has been through a long journey of life. An ace, presenter and actor from a generation of morally upright TV professionals, May Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi. Amin.”
Sadiq Abubakar Daba simply known as Sadiq Daba no doubt is one of the best movie icons that hailed from the Northern part of the country. He came into prominence in his acting career in the 70s and up till his death had made an indelible mark in the industry.
In 2015, Daba won the ‘Best Actor’ award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for his role as “Inspector Waziri” in the award-winning movie “October 1”. Emeka Rollas, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who described him as a hardworking and consistent foremost Nigerian actor who was an inspiration to the industry. In his words, he said; “He is indeed a shield in the industry as his wealth of experience and consistency has contributed greatly to Nollywood”.
To further confirm this, the late actor and former broadcaster received the honour as “Garkuwan Nollywood,” Hausa translation for “Shield of Nollywood” at the 2018 Nollywood New Yam Festival Awards held in Abuja.
Many in the industry look up to Daba as a role model for his ingenuity. His appearance on screen motivated many Northerners who are now making waves to join the movie industry. They forever remember him for the influence he had on them and the courage he gave to them.
Top Nollywood star from the north, Ali Nuhu described how watching Daba on screen made many of them go into acting. He said when he was growing up, the movie ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’ was massive and he always remembers Daba for the role he played as ‘Bitrus’. He therefore prayed for his departed soul.
“I just pray God will comfort his family and bless his soul. May Jannat be your final abode Alh Sadiq Daba, ameen. We lost a great Icon.” – Ali Nuhu.
Giving credence to the influence Daba had on actors from the northern part of Nigeria, the director of Kannywood a northern component of the Nollywood, Babangida Bangis said the death of Daba was a very deep one to him as he recounted the role the departed played in his life.
“When I was growing up, there were only few northerners on national TV and anytime I see Daba, I was always happy because I feel he represents me. It was later that the late Mohammed Danjuma joined him. We were happy to see our people doing well”
“Personally, the role Sadiq played in ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’ and ‘the village headmaster’ motivated me to go into the movie industry. I believe that’s same for many of us in Kannywood. It’s so because when you see someone like you on TV doing well, it gives you the belief and confidence that you can do it.”
Daba’s sphere of influence goes beyond the north as lots of tributes have been made by actors and film makers in the south. Here are some of their testimonies.
Rita Dominic said, “A Titan has gone to rest. Rest in peace Sir Sadiq Daba. You made some of our childhood memorable with cock crow at dawn and other great works of art. Your legacy lives on. Adieu icon.”
Also, Yomi Fash-Lanso said, “I’m so happy I belonged to the set of actors that knew you, worked with you, ate with you, wined and cracked jokes with you. Your sense of humor and deep knowledge was always magnetic.
“You were an embodiment of total art and freedom. Your light always shone through whenever you were around. Rest peacefully well Egbon Sadiq Daba. You will be greatly missed.”
In his condolence message, popular comedian, Ayo Makun said, “ RIP Uncle Daba, you ran a good race and you have finished well. May your memories be a blessing to Nollywood and the rest of the world.”
Below is the excerpt of “a tribute to the iconic Veteran, Mr.Sadiq Abubakar Daba” written by movie producer and actor, Kunle Afolayan Production Hub who featured Daba recently in the movie “Citation”:
“… Just like the impact of our dear beloved one, Mr.Sadiq Daba whose ever positive and enlightening presence left an unforgettable mark in our hearts. We’ve come a long way as a family, and we are truly grateful for every moment we shared together. Mr. Sadiq is the greatest warrior we’ve ever known, and his undaunting nature shone bright during his time on set with us. He was determined to enjoy everything he loved – including acting. And this we are extremely happy to be a part of. His enthusiasm at playing Inspector Danladi Waziri in October 1 and Prof. Yahaya in Citation is a true definition of his optimistic and passionate self, which we’ll never forget. No one could have played these roles better than Mr.Sadiq Daba. Words can’t describe how grateful we are to have been a part of his life on earth, but we hope this short video will do justice. He will continue to live on in our hearts.”
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