Veteran actress Ethel Ekpe, celebrated for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry, passed away on Wednesday in Lagos State after battling cancer.
Ekpe gained prominence for her portrayal of ‘Segi’ in the acclaimed sitcom “Basi and Company,” which aired on the Nigerian Television Authority under the direction of Ken Saro Wiwa.
Her talent and versatility shone through in various productions, including Amaka Igwe’s “Forever” and “Sons of the Caliphate.”
The sad news of her demise was conveyed by Dr Shaibu Husseini, the Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, in a belated Facebook post on Wednesday.
Husseini wrote, “I have been reliably informed that Ethel Ekpe (Ethel Aderemi nee Ekpe), the screen beauty that delighted fans with her inimitable interpretation of the role of Segi in the defunct sitcom on Nigerian Television Authority by Ken Saro Wiwa titled ‘Basi and Company’ has passed on.
“The actress and later-day pastor and star of Amaka Igwe’s ‘Forever’ and most recently ‘Sons of the Caliphate” reportedly died of cancer today in Lagos.”
“She will be sorely missed,” adding that his family “will particularly miss her because we named my second daughter Ethel after her. Good night, good woman!”
