By Olaitan Ganiu
Tributes from around the world have continued to pour in for late actress Rachel Oniga who died in a Lagos hospital on July 30, 2021.
The veteran actress, who acted in over 100 films, died at the age of 64.
In celebrating the life of the iconic actress, Nollywood actors, filmmakers, and fans based in United States of America and Canada gathered at Chinguacousy Park, Queen Street East, Ontario, Canada to pay their tributes.
The event was organised by ISK Production and Patovo Production, Broadlens Media Associates Incorporated and GBK Media Network had several practitioners living outside the shores of Nigeria in attendance.
Speaking at the occasion, film producer Patience Ogheneovo Okhuofu said Oniga’s death has cast a shadow on the excitement of her upcoming movie premiere, ‘When Love Hurts’.
“Her death has greatly impacted the sequel of “When Love Hurts”, because the story that was being developed was all about her side of the story. The movie was wrapped in December 2019 but, was put on hold due to Covid-19 and is now currently in post-production. My last moment with Oniga was when I was directing her in Canada from my home in New Jersey. I could not get into Canada on the day of the shoot due to unforeseen circumstances and she was going back to Nigeria in a few days. So my camera team set us up for live streaming and I was able to work with her remotely. She was so comfortable with the scenario and delivered as usual,” she said.
Rachel Oniga’s Niece, Nancy Osagiede Bardi, described Oniga as a beautiful friend, confidant, adviser, and best critic who always makes everyone comfortable when around her.
Isoken Ibierutomwen described the late Oniga as a dear friend, mentor, and motherly figure in Nollywood.
“The news of her demise got to me at 3:45 am Toronto time and it was devastating. I thought it was a hoax and a dream. Oniga working with us on the project, “When Love hurts”, was going to be her first movie in Canada and I must admit that it was awesome working with her because she was like a mother to everyone on set. Working with her was like a master class all through the shoot and Oniga uses every opportunity to teach and share her experience and knowledge,” she said.
Fundraising was also set up to support the deceased’s family and to celebrate the veteran for her unforgettable contribution to the film industry in Africa.
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