In a heartbreaking turn of events, renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Fathia Balogun, also known as Faithia Williams, has announced the passing of her beloved mother. This tragic news comes just hours after the celebrated actress hosted a glamorous, star-studded party to mark her 55th birthday, creating a stark contrast between celebration and mourning.
A Celebration Overshadowed by Loss
Fathia Balogun took to her official social media page in the early hours of Monday, February 9, to share the devastating announcement with her fans and followers. In her emotional post, she revealed that her mother had actually passed away on the eve of her birthday party, but family members had deliberately kept the news from her. The actress described how she celebrated her 55th birthday on Thursday, February 5, but chose to host her party on Sunday, February 8, completely unaware of the family tragedy that had already occurred.
The Heartbreaking Revelation
"Dear friends, it was my 55th birthday on Thursday, February 5," Fathia wrote. "However, I chose to have a party yesterday, Sunday. Unbeknownst to me, my beloved mother died on the eve of my party and the news was cruelly kept away from me." The veteran actress expressed that the reality of her mother's passing had not fully settled in, describing her late mother as her "cheerleader, prayer warrior, best friend, and gist partner wrapped in the invaluable gift of a mother."
Private Mourning and Public Support
Fathia Balogun explained that while she has found solace in her faith, the Williams family has decided to keep mourning arrangements private for the time being. She appealed to the public for understanding and prayers during this difficult period, noting that burial details would be announced at a later date. The actress specifically mentioned that the love and prayers of well-wishers would mean a great deal to her and her siblings as they navigate this profound loss.
The Star-Studded Birthday Celebration
Just before this tragic revelation, Fathia Balogun had been in the spotlight for hosting an elaborate birthday bash on Sunday, February 8. The event attracted numerous Nollywood celebrities and industry heavyweights, including:
- Malaika
- Funke Akindele
- Pasuma
- Kazim Adeoti
- Regina Chukwu
- Fausat Balogun
- Shaffy Bello
The celebration had generated significant social media attention and positive reactions from fans, making the subsequent announcement of her mother's death particularly shocking to the entertainment community.
Industry Reactions and Condolences
Following Fathia's emotional announcement, an outpouring of support and condolences flooded social media platforms. Fellow celebrities, fans, and colleagues expressed their sympathy for the grieving actress. Many offered prayers and comforting words, acknowledging the difficult position of celebrating a milestone birthday while simultaneously dealing with such a profound personal loss.
Previous Professional Engagements
Prior to this personal tragedy, Fathia Balogun had been actively promoting her upcoming film project, Efunroye. The veteran actress had taken to her social media platforms to praise the historical figure the film is named after, describing Efunroye Tinubu as more than just a warrior but also a ruler who rewrote history. This professional engagement highlights the actress's continued dedication to her craft even as she faces personal challenges.
The Nollywood community now rallies around one of its most respected figures during this period of mourning, demonstrating the strong bonds within Nigeria's vibrant film industry. As Fathia Balogun navigates this difficult transition from celebration to mourning, she does so with the support of both her biological family and her extended entertainment family across Nigeria.
