Nata’ala had made several online posts seeking financial help for his medical bills before his demise.
By Kehinde Okeowo
A popular Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu Nata’ala, also known as Malam Nata’ala, has passed away.
TheNiche learnt the veteran thespian reportedly died after a protracted battle with cancer, a condition he said he had lived with for nearly two years.
Malam Nata’ala, a native of Potiskum in Yobe State, was known for his prominent role as an almajiri school teacher in the popular Arewa24 Hausa drama series, ‘Dadin Kowa’.
Before his demise, the actor had repeatedly made online posts seeking financial help to settle his medical bills.
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In a video widely shared on social media, he revealed that he had been receiving treatment for the illness for the past one year and seven months.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, especially groups of clerics, the Arewa 24 team and Kannywood Vanguard,” he said.
“I am calling on anyone I have wronged to please forgive me. I need help. I have to pay ₦250,000 every three weeks for an injection. Even the hospital bed costs ₦51,000. Please help me. May Allah help us all.”
He admitted that the treatment had drained his resources despite support from friends, clerics, and colleagues in the film industry.
The online posts later drew the attention of Niger’s President, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who supported him with ₦27 million.
