Veteran singer and Waka music legend Salawa Abeni has recounted how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu supported her during a period of illness, grief, and financial hardship.
She shared the story while marking 50 years on stage, reflecting on the struggles she endured after the loss of one of her children.
The singer explained that the loss of her child took a severe toll on her health, leaving her barely able to walk. Her condition also forced her to stop working for a time, which deepened her financial difficulties.
With little support available, Abeni said she eventually turned to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then a leading political figure in Lagos State, for help.
She recalled going to Tinubu’s residence on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, where she was asked to wait for him.
When Tinubu eventually came out, Abeni said he initially did not recognise her because of the significant changes in her appearance caused by her illness.
After seeing her condition, she said Tinubu immediately reached out to Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was then the governor of Lagos State, and requested that arrangements be made for her to travel to Dubai for medical treatment the following week.
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Abeni said she subsequently travelled to Dubai for treatment with the assistance of the Lagos State Government, adding that the intervention helped her regain her health and eventually return to performing.
During the celebration, the Waka singer also expressed gratitude to transport union leader MC Oluomo for standing by her in another difficult phase of her life.
Abeni recalled that while living in Magodo, Lagos, he consistently offered support, especially at times when she had few or no performances and was struggling financially.
She said he never rejected her requests for assistance whenever she reached out to him.
During her 50-year stage celebration, Abeni publicly praised MC Oluomo and expressed appreciation for attending the event and for standing by her over the years.
Her account comes alongside previous accounts from entertainers about Tinubu’s assistance to members of the entertainment industry.
Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri had earlier claimed that Tinubu donated $25,000 towards bringing the remains of late actress Moji Olaiya back to Nigeria after colleagues had initially sought $15,000 for the repatriation.
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