President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family of the late retired soldier, broadcaster, and iconic actor, Usman Baba Pategi (popularly known as Samanja), who died at 84 years.
Describing the loss as painful, the President acknowledged Pategi’s noteworthy contributions to the nation across diverse roles throughout his lifetime.
In a tribute by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, shared on X on Tuesday, President Tinubu acknowledged Pategi’s dedication to national service and underscores the lasting influence of his acclaimed television programme, Samanja, which played a crucial role in providing entertainment for several decades.
The statement said: “The late Pategi chose to obey the call to national duty when the country needed his service. His television show, Samanja, was a must-watch entertainment for decades.
“Through the show, he taught young citizens national values and respect for our service people. He was a patriot who left behind several indelible impressions.
“President Tinubu encouraged the Pategi family, the people and governments of Niger and Kwara states, the Pategi Emirate Council, and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry to take comfort in the worthy legacy of the deceased.”
