Sadiq Abubakar Daba (c. 1951/1952 – 3 March 2021) was a legendary Nigerian actor, broadcaster, director, and producer whose career spanned over five decades. Born in Kumasi, Ghana, he was raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he attended St. Edward’s Secondary School before pursuing higher education at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.

Daba began his media career in radio in Kaduna before joining the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where his rich, resonant voice made him a household name. His breakthrough acting role came in the late 1970s with the popular TV series Cockcrow at Dawn, earning him nationwide recognition, particularly as the character “Bitrus”.

In cinema, Daba’s most celebrated performance was as Inspector Danladi Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 (2014), for which he received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2015, a milestone that cemented his legacy in Nollywood.

Beyond acting, Daba’s influence extended into broadcasting and advocacy. He battled leukaemia and prostate cancer from 2017, and his diagnosis sparked nationwide fundraising efforts that highlighted his status as a beloved cultural icon. His final film roles were in Citation (2020) and Eagle Wings (2021), reinforcing his enduring talent right up to his passing on 3 March 2021 in Lagos.

As a mentor, performer, and media icon, Daba remains a shining example of dedication, artistry, and service to humanity.