The internet was abuzz early this week about Otedola’s holiday in Monaco with the kids, and how they jetted into Italy for one hour just to buy ice cream. It made a whole lot of people imagine themselves living the life of the rich and famous. For the vast majority of humanity it’s a wish that will never come true. But live it vicariously, we do; and copiously too.
The good thing is that the good life is not all there is to Femi Otedola. As is becoming his custom, he has extended a helping hand to another man who’s in dire need of one. Sadiq Daba who made his name in Cockcrow at Dawn, the NTA series that a lot of middle age and older Nigerians were weaned on. Sadiq Daba, (Bitrus on the show) was the star.
It had a retinue of other accomplished, but upcoming at the time, artists like Ene Oloja (Zemaye), the late Kasimu Yero (Uncle Gaga), the late George Menta, the late Tola Awobode ( Lare), Zainab Bewell ( Ene), Lantana Ahmed (Afi), Emmanuel Oniwun (Uncle Beke), and Maureen Egbuna. It was directed by
the late Matt Dadzie and produced by the redoubtable Peter Igho. The mellifluous voice in the soundtrack belonged to none other than Bongos Ikwue.
I did the little recap just to give an idea (especially to younger readers) how influential the series was as an entertainment vehicle back in those days. Thankfully, Femi Otedola is also of the same mind that people who gave so much for almost free, yes, for almost free, should not end up penurious and abandoned by those to whom they gave so much joy. His statement, which we reproduce hereunder, drips with concern.
“I heard about Mr. Sadiq Daba’s health condition when it was brought to my attention through an online news story I read two days ago,” he said.
“I was saddened to hear that he had taken ill again after overcoming his challenges from prostate cancer just two years ago.
“From the news report, I gathered that he was rushed to the Emergency Unit of LUTH after being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“I must say that even though I don’t know Mr. Daba personally, he is a face I am familiar with through the old TV drama production ‘Cock Crow at Dawn’ which I used to watch while growing up.
“I was moved by a sense of nostalgia and concern when I read of his medical situation recently and decided to take over his medical bills. He has been visited and arrangements are being made to support him.
“In other climes, the likes of Sadiq Daba and other such actors who more or less paved the way for the entertainment industry and the Nollywood industry in Nigeria (which is touted as the 3rd largest movie industry in the world) would be celebrated as Icons and due recognition would be accorded to them.
“For me, taking care of Sadiq’s medical expenses is my little way of showing appreciation and gratitude for the good memories he created for me and others in the past.”
Hi other high profile interventions include footing the bill for veteran actor Victor Olaotan, and recently, for Chairman Christian Chukwu. Applause, applause!
