Actor Saidi Balogun has released a public statement on behalf of his family following the loss of his daughter Zeenat Balogun.
Saidi, known for his versatile roles in Nollywood shared a sombre post on Instagram on October 5.
The post featured an image of a candle surrounded by flowers accompanied by heartbroken emojis, a symbol of his grief.
Saidi was in the middle of preparations for his second stage performance of Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Nile on October 4 at Terra Kulture in Lagos when he received the news of Zeenat’s passing.
The 57-year-old was performing alongside industry veterans such as Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Aisha Lawal, Yomi Fash-Lanso, and Yaw. The sudden tragedy forced him to withdraw from the stage play, ending his participation in the production.
On Sunday, Saidi took to Instagram once again, this time sharing an official family statement.
In the message, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and well-wishers, describing them as “a beacon of light in their darkest hour.”
The statement painted a portrait of Zeenat, describing her as a “warrior” who embraced life with resilience, joy and acceptance.
Saidi’s words further emphasised his daughter’s character stating, “Your character and conduct perfectly reflected your name, embodying righteousness, humility, and kindness. You were flawless, possessing both outward beauty and inner grace.”
In the caption of the post, the movie star extended the family’s gratitude to those who had reached out during this difficult time.
“We have been deeply moved by the overwhelming care, heartfelt messages, and the many condolence visits. Your presence, prayers, and acts of kindness have truly touched our hearts.
“The love and support from friends, neighbors, and even those we have not seen in years have been a constant source of strength. Your compassion has made this challenging period more bearable, and for that, we are immensely grateful,” he wrote.
Zeenat was Saidi’s first child from his marriage to Sherifat Balogun.
Before this incident, the actor was a father of four children.
