Dimbo Atiya: Plateau creative community mourns filmmaker, to preserve his legacy

The creative community in Jos, Plateau State, is mourning the death of filmmaker Dimbo Atiya, remembering him as an astute and resilient practitioner who significantly shaped Nigeria’s television and film industry. His passing has spurred calls from colleagues and institutions to preserve his creative works and acknowledge the opportunities he provided for emerging talent.

During a condolence visit to Atiya’s family, members of the entertainment industry, cultural institutions, and government agencies gathered to pay their respects. Representatives from the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), the office of the Governor of Plateau State, and the Nigerian Film Corporation were present, underscoring Atiya's broad impact.

Manji Diyal, representing CBAAC, described Atiya's death as a profound loss, particularly at a time when Nigeria's cultural and film sectors are embracing a new generation of storytellers. Diyal emphasized Atiya's role beyond mere entertainment, highlighting his understanding of the arts' power to preserve stories, identity, and cultural expressions. "Dimbo was a storyteller and a creative man who believed in the power of the arts to connect people and preserve our identity," Diyal stated, adding that the industry has lost someone with much more to contribute.

Atiya's career, which began in 2008 and included professional training at the New York Film Academy, spanned over a decade in television and film production. He is credited with producing more than 500 television episodes and five feature films, creating employment for hundreds of actors and crew members. His notable works include "Sons of the Caliphate," "Halita," "Still Falling," and "W.A.R. – Wrath and Revenge." As a director, he was associated with "Sons of the Caliphate," "Halita," and "Drawing Strength."

“

Dimbo was a storyteller and a creative man who believed in the power of the arts to connect people and preserve our identity. His passing is painful because the industry has lost someone who still had much to contribute.