Jamal Balogun, son of Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun, has opened up about the health battle that claimed the life of his sister, Zeenat Balogun.
Zeenat, the actor’s first child from his previous marriage to Sherifat, passed away in October 2024. Until now, the family had not publicly revealed the cause of her death.
Speaking in a heartfelt video shared on Instagram by his brother, Khalid, Jamal disclosed that Zeenat lived with sickle cell disease.
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Despite the challenges that came with the condition, he said she remained strong, courageous, and determined not to let it define her life.
According to Jamal, Zeenat maintained an uplifting spirit even during difficult periods, including hospital admissions.
He described her as someone whose warmth, positivity, and strength left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
He said: “Zeenat Balogun died from complications related to sickle cell disease. She was a warrior who remained strong even in her moments of pain. She endured it with humility and strength, and it never defined any aspect of her life.”
He continued: “She was a happy person. Even when she was admitted to the hospital, she remained jovial with everyone around her and always left a positive impact on those she met.”
The emotional tribute was part of a posthumous birthday celebration organised by her siblings and close friends, who gathered to honour her memory and the beautiful life she lived.
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In the caption accompanying the video, the Balogun family explained that the tribute also marked World Sickle Cell Day.
They said the initiative was aimed at celebrating Zeenat’s life, raising awareness about sickle cell disease, and encouraging support for those who continue to live with the condition.
Through the touching remembrance, the family hopes Zeenat’s story will inspire resilience while shedding more light on the realities faced by people battling sickle cell disease.
THE STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY:
“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,” the caption reads.
“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.”
