The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, has appealed to Nigerians and fans worldwide to continue praying for ailing veteran actor Alhaji Taiwo Babatunde Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, saying it is “extremely difficult” to move him from hospital amid over 500 offers of spiritual and medical assistance.
In a statement signed by Babajide Kosoko on behalf of colleagues, the group expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support since news of Ogogo’s health condition became public.
“Good day, our dear fans, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers across the globe. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has shown concern about the health of our dear colleague, Alhaji Taiwo Babatunde hassan, popularly known as Ogogo,” the statement read.
Kosoko said the association had received hundreds of messages, prayers and offers of help from across the world.
“We have seen and received many of your messages, prayers, encouragement, and offers of assistance, and we want to say a very big thank you to you all. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has volunteered to assist us spiritually, medically, and in every other way possible,” he said.
“We Have Received Over 500 Offers”
Kosoko particularly acknowledged individuals offering spiritual interventions and alternative treatments for the 66-year-old Yoruba actor.
“We particularly appreciate those who have reached out to say they have spiritual assistance, treatment, or other means they believe could help him. We have received hundreds of such offers, and we sincerely appreciate every single one of them,” he said.
However, he clarified that the family and colleagues cannot take Ogogo out of the hospital to different locations due to the severity of his condition.
“However, we humbly appeal to everyone not to stop praying for Ogogo. Please, continue to pray with us. We believe strongly that, with your prayers, our prayers, and the mercy of Almighty God, Taye will come out of this situation successfully. There is nothing impossible before Almighty God,” he said.
“We also want to clarify something very important. Please, do not feel offended or disappointed if we are unable to bring Ogogo to you for spiritual assistance or treatment. It is extremely difficult to move him from the hospital to different locations at this stage of his treatment, especially considering the large number of people who have offered to help.”
Kosoko explained the logistical challenge of attending to the numerous offers.
“We have received offers from more than 300, and even over 500 people, each sincerely believing that they have something that could help him. The challenge is simply: Where do we take him to? And how do we move him from the hospital while he is receiving care?”
“Please understand that our inability to bring him to anyone does not mean that we do not appreciate you, nor does it mean that we do not doubt your intentions or your desire to help. On the contrary, we are deeply touched by the overwhelming love and concern that people across the world have shown towards him.”
He urged well-wishers to support from wherever they are.
“Therefore, we encourage you to continue doing whatever you can from your respective locations and comfort zones. Keep praying. Keep supporting us. Keep believing with us. Whatever you believe can be done from your end, please…”
Ogogo, a veteran of the Yoruba movie industry with a career spanning over four decades, is celebrated for his roles in hundreds of films. News of his illness has sparked concern across Nollywood and among fans globally.
Details of his exact health condition were not disclosed in the statement, but his daughter revealed that her father was battling stage 4 – Cancer.
