Veteran Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun and his family have honored his late firstborn daughter, Zeenat Balogun, with an emotional tribute video to mark her posthumous birthday. The moving tribute also served as a profound moment of clarity for fans, as the family publicly disclosed the health struggles Zeenat privately endured.
Zeenat tragically passed away on October 4, 2024, leaving her family and the Nigerian film community deeply devastated. While the cause of her sudden demise was kept completely private at the time, a collaborative video shared on Instagram by Saidi’s son, Khalid Balogun, revealed that Zeenat had quietly battled Sickle Cell Anaemia throughout her lifetime.
In the tribute video, which featured heartfelt reflections from her siblings, family, and close friends, Khalid described his late sister as a true warrior who navigated her health challenges with unparalleled resilience.
“We only die when we are forgotten. 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.” — Khalid Balogun
Raising Awareness on World Sickle Cell Day
The Balogun family intentionally timed the release of the emotional tribute to coincide with the global commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day. They noted that while celebrating the beautiful light and legacy Zeenat left behind, they wanted to use their platform to champion a larger cause. By sharing her journey, the family hopes to raise public awareness about the genetic blood disorder, celebrate the resilience of survivors, and stand in solidarity with the thousands of sickle cell warriors actively fighting the condition worldwide.
