By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Damaturu
Veteran Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala from the popular TV drama Dadin Kowa, has been buried in Potiskum, Yobe State, amid tributes and fond memories.
The funeral prayer was held around 2:30 p.m. at the Emir of Fika Jumu’at Mosque, with family members, friends, colleagues, and fans in attendance to bid him farewell.
Malam Nata’ala passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born on August 15, 1967, in the Dambuwa Rijiya area of Potiskum, the actor began his entertainment career in 1982, years before the emergence of the Kannywood industry. He started with stage plays in Jimeta, Adamawa State, before relocating to Kano to fully pursue acting.
Renowned for his comedic talent, he starred alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro) in several productions. However, it was his role in the Dadin Kowa series on Arewa24 that made him a household name across northern Nigeria.
He also featured in the film A Duniya, where he portrayed a traditional Islamic teacher (Malami) guiding a group of Almajirai.
The actor’s health condition became public in August 2025 when he revealed his battle with cancer, appealing for prayers and financial assistance. In a viral video, he disclosed that his chemotherapy injections cost ₦250,000 every three weeks for six months, excluding other treatment expenses.
Following his plea, several individuals and government officials stepped in to help. Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, reportedly took full responsibility for his medical care.
He also received support from colleagues in the Kannywood industry and other political figures.
However, one of the most touching gestures came from the President of Niger Republic, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, whose assistance left a lasting impression on the late actor.
Malam Nata’ala died at the age of 58, leaving behind three wives and ten children.