The family of veteran Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, has finally disclosed the cause of his late daughter, Zeenat Balogun’s death.

Recall that Zeenat, who was also an actress and Balogun’s first born, died in October 2024.

Her sudden death raised concerns online especially with many of her fans questioning the cause of her death.


Finally revealing the cause of her death, her stepbrother, Kahlid Balogun, revealed that Zeenat died from sickle cell disease.

Kahlid made the disclosure on Wednesday while sharing a video made by actor Balogun’s children and Zeenat’s friends to celebrate her posthumous birthday.

Sharing the video on his Instagram page, her half sibling, Kahlid, wrote, “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 her journey was marked by the challenges of sickle cell anemia, she faced every battle with remarkable strength, courage, and grace, leaving behind memories that continue to inspire us every day.

“As we honor 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.”

Zeenat is the first child of Saheed Balogun from his previous marriage with Sherifat before he got married to actress Fathia Balogun.

Nigerian singer Emoseh Khamofu, popularly known as Bloody Civilian, has revealed that being an artiste has influenced her world-view and changed her perceptions on some of the core values of the environment and family she grew up with.

Speaking in a recent episode of the Not Just On podcast, the Taraba-born star disclosed that some of the conventional values that her family expects from her are no longer interesting to her.

Bloody Civilian said contrary to her family’s expectations, she has no plan of getting married.


The 26-year-old said her family keeps pressuring her about marriage without understanding that it is not something she’s looking forward to.

She said, “One thing my family still does not understand about being an artiste is the fact that certain conventional things that they expect of a woman from the North are just simply not things that I am excited to do.

“For instance, marriage is not something that I am thinking of at all. But that question keeps being brought up.”

Nigerian actress and film director Mercy Johnson-Okojie has shared a message on faith and God’s grace. In a lengthy Instagram post, she said God does not judge people the way humans do.

The actress said God can restore what others reject and redeem what others condemn. She added that when one door closes, God can create new opportunities where none seem possible.


Johnson stressed that God’s mercy and blessings are not determined by public opinion. She described Him as a God of second chances, fresh beginnings and unexpected favour.

She also encouraged her followers to remain faithful and grateful. According to her, true peace comes from trusting God rather than seeking approval from others. She added that people’s opinions cannot stop God’s purpose, and His plans will always prevail.

She wrote: “God is not a man. He does not judge as men judge, nor does he bow to the opinions, mockery, or decisions of people. What men reject, God can restore. What men condemn, God can redeem. When others close doors, God can open windows no one knew existed. His mercy is not limited by human understanding, and His blessings are not controlled by human approval.

“He is the God of second chances, fresh starts, and unexpected favour. He lifts whom He chooses, blesses whom He wills, and writes stories that leave even doubters speechless.

“One of the greatest forms of peace is arriving at a place where you no longer crave to be understood, admired, pitied, or even liked by everyone.

“True peace comes when your confidence is rooted in God, not in people’s opinions. When you stop seeking validation from the world, you begin to experience the freedom that comes from knowing whose own you are.

“Let people talk. Let them misunderstand. Let them mock if they choose. Human conversations never cancel God’s plans. His purpose for your life does not require public approval. Stay faithful. Stay grateful. Stay at peace.

“The same God who brought you through yesterday is still writing your story today, and His final word will always be greater than the opinions of men”.