By Rita Chioma

Veteran Nollywood actor, Martins Njubuigbo, popularly known as Elder Maya, has been reported dead.

Elder Maya, who featured in blockbusters, including “Died Wretched” and “Battle of Musanga”, died months after battling a liver related ailment.

Late hours of yesterday, Friday, September 30, his son confirmed his demise on social media.

You would recall that Senior Pastor of Champions Royal Assembly, Abuja, Joshua Iginla, had assisted Elder Maya with N1million for treatment but couldn’t survive the kidney related ailment.

The industry has lost some thespians, including big names, this year.

In January, young actor, Olamide David, who played the lead role in Foluke Daramola’s movie, “Cobweb”, passed away.

In February, Nollywood actor, Mike Odachi of the ‘Igodo’ fame, died at the age of 51.

Also in February, another Veteran Nollywood actor, Festus Aguebor died after battling an undisclosed ailment.

In May, another actor, Fred Ebhoria Ekata, gave up the ghost. He died after one year of struggling with a kidney related disease.

In July, veteran actress, Bukky Ajayi, passed on at the age of 82.

Late Ajayi made her last public appearance at the 2016 AMVCA in March, where she won the AMVCA Merit Award.

In May, rising star, Genevieve Nene died after a brief illness.