Nollywood actress and filmmaker Fathia Williams Balogun has announced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, who passed away just 24 hours before the actress’s birthday celebration.
The actress, who turned 55 on Thursday, February 5, had postponed her birthday party to Sunday to celebrate with friends and loved ones. Unknown to her at the time, her beloved mother died on the eve of the planned celebration, with the painful news deliberately withheld from her until after the event.
In an emotional statement shared with the public, Fathia described the loss as devastating and said the reality of her mother’s passing has yet to fully sink in.
“The reality of her passing has not totally dawned on me because she was my cheerleader, prayer warrior, best friend, and gist partner wrapped in the invaluable gift of a mother,” she wrote.
The actress revealed that her family made the difficult decision to keep the news from her so she could enjoy her birthday without distress. She expressed gratitude for the love surrounding her while also acknowledging the deep void left by her mother’s death.
Fathia added that she is taking solace in her faith, noting that she has entrusted her grief to Allah. According to her, the Williams family has chosen to maintain privacy during this period of mourning.
She appealed to friends, colleagues, and fans for prayers and understanding as the family navigates the painful loss.
“Your love and prayers will mean a lot to me and my siblings this period,” she said.
The actress also disclosed that burial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Since the announcement, tributes and condolence messages have poured in from fans and colleagues across the Nigerian entertainment industry, many praising Fathia’s strength, grace, and long-standing bond with her late mother.
Fathia Williams Balogun remains one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses, with decades of impact in the Yoruba and mainstream film industry.
