The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Sunday mourned the passing of veteran actor, producer and director Alhaji Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known as Samanja Mazan Fama.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, stated this in a release on Sunday, expressing that the governor received the sad news with shock.
According to the statement, the nation was captivated by his talents as an actor in the 1980s.
Through the role of Samanja in the defunct NTA drama series depicting the lifestyle of soldiers in the barracks, he became a familiar and beloved face in millions of homes.
“Born in 1942 to the Royal Pategi Family, he served in the Nigerian Army and in the old Northern Broadcasting Corporation, where he honed his skills as an actor, writer and producer.
“On behalf of the people of Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani extends his deepest condolences to the family and requests prayers from well-meaning Nigerians during this difficult time.
“May Allah (SWT) grant him Jannat-ul-Firdaus and forgive his sins,” he said.
