Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of acclaimed filmmaker and director, Dimbo Atiya, who died on Thursday morning at the age of 52.
Newsonspot gathered that the death was announced by Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, who shared the news on Instagram and later confirmed it in his WhatsApp group.
Oloketuyi wrote: “Dimba Atiya is dead. The top Nollywood director passed on this morning. Details later.”
According to reports, Atiya had been unwell before his death. He was said to have driven himself to a hospital for medical attention, where he reportedly died a few hours later.
Details surrounding the exact cause of his death remained unclear as of press time.
The filmmaker’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry, who described him as one of Nollywood’s most talented and creative minds.
Actor Mofe Duncan was among those who paid tribute to the late director. Expressing his shock and devastation on Instagram.
Duncan wrote: “God no, not Dimbo. I’m devastated. One of the greatest minds of the entertainment industry.”
Atiya’s death comes just hours after the reported death of Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba, further deepening the sense of loss within the Nigerian film industry.
Colleagues, fans and industry stakeholders continue to mourn the filmmaker, whose contributions to Nollywood earned him recognition as one of the industry’s leading creative talents.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released on the circumstances surrounding Atiya’s death.
Atiya was a producer, director and writer whose work helped shape Nigerian television drama.
He was best known for hit series including Sons of the Caliphate and Halita.
Born in Nasarawa State and raised in Jos, Plateau State, Atiya developed an early interest in storytelling through his mother, who worked in local television productions with the Nigerian Television Authority.
He studied Media and Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the National Film Institute before furthering his training at the New York Film Academy in the United States.
Atiya also directed Still Falling and The Plan, while his series The Rishantes won Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Through his company, Innovative Television Kontents, he created jobs for hundreds of actors and production workers and promoted northern Nigerian stories on national television.
Colleagues and fans have continued to remember Atiya as a “brilliant storyteller,” “a gentleman” and “a trailblazer” who helped expand the boundaries of Nollywood.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
May his soul rest in peace.
