Nollywood veteran Saidi Balogun and his family have come forward to honor the memory of his late daughter, Zeenat Balogun, on what would have been her birthday. In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, the actor's son Khalid revealed the private battle Zeenat fought against sickle cell anaemia before her passing.
The video, posted on Instagram by Khalid, showed the family speaking warmly about Zeenat, remembering her life and the strength she demonstrated during her health struggles. The caption read: 'We only die when we are forgotten.' Khalid continued: 'Today, the Balogun family remembers and celebrates the life of our beloved firstborn, Zeenat Balogun, on her posthumous birthday. Though the challenges of Sickle Cell Anaemia marked her journey, she faced every battle with remarkable strength, courage, and grace, leaving behind memories that continue to inspire us every day.'
Raising Awareness on World Sickle Cell Day
The tribute also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about sickle cell anaemia. Khalid added: 'As we honour her birthday, we also commemorate World Sickle Cell Day through this tribute video—raising awareness, celebrating resilience, and remembering the countless warriors fighting this condition. Zeenat may no longer be with us physically, but her love, light, and legacy remain forever alive in our hearts.'
The family linked Zeenat's remembrance to World Sickle Cell Day, which is observed annually on June 19. The video served as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those living with the condition.
Netizens React to Zeenat's Tribute
Social media users flooded the comments section with messages of support and condolences. One user, raphie_hawt, wrote: 'Nobody is dying anytime soon really got me? Amen to that, none of you will die, none of us will die.' Another, annie_glamour, commented: 'The saddest part is after someone's death, life goes on.' User mzluvlyn said: 'Happy posthumous birthday warrior.. you guys are the strongest trust me. You guys fight with every fiber in you.'
Khalid's brother, kingzeez1, also paid tribute: 'Happy birthday my zee babe? big bro always miss u and love u keep resting in peace.' Another relative, olamilekanayinlaagbaye_220, wrote: 'You guys really made me? I tried not to buy the love I have for you as my closest body didn't allow me, I love you still MY OWN ZEENAT, as I do call you when you're here, rest on your uncle Adigun still love you.'
Saidi Balogun's Recent Celebrations
In other news, Saidi Balogun recently celebrated his son Jamal Balogun's graduation with a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The actor shared a sweet and emotional post about his son, reflecting on the challenges Jamal faced and his perseverance. Saidi prayed for Jamal's continued success and protection from evil eyes.
Fans joined Saidi in celebrating the achievement, with one lady recalling meeting Jamal at LUTH during her surgery and showering prayers on him. Colleagues and friends also congratulated the new graduate.
Earlier, Saidi Balogun and his ex-wife Fathia Williams' son Khalid was seen playing a fun shadow-slapping game with his father on social media, which drew amused reactions from netizens.
