Salawa Abeni says Tinubu arranged her Dubai treatment during health crisis

Veteran waka singer Salawa Abeni has said President Bola Tinubu helped arrange medical treatment for her in Dubai during a period when illness, grief and money problems had left her struggling.

Abeni, known as the queen of waka music, told the story at her recently concluded 50 years on stage celebration, according to accounts published by Legit.ng and The Nation.

She said her troubles began after she lost a child. The loss hit her emotionally and affected her health and finances, and she said she could barely walk without a walking stick and could not perform for a while.

How the help came

With her condition worsening, Abeni said she went to Tinubu's residence on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, when he was still a prominent political figure in the state. She said he did not recognise her at first because her illness had changed her appearance.

After seeing her condition, according to her account, Tinubu contacted Babatunde Fashola, then governor of Lagos State, and asked him to arrange a flight to Dubai for her the following week.

Abeni said she travelled to Dubai for treatment with help from the Lagos State Government and later recovered enough to return to the stage.

She also thanked Lagos transport union chieftain MC Oluomo, saying he stood by her during hard times when she lived in Magodo and had no shows. She publicly appreciated him during her performance for attending the event.

The singer's account adds to stories entertainers have told about Tinubu's generosity over the years. Nollywood veteran Yinka Quadri has said Tinubu gave $25,000 towards bringing late actress Moji Olaiya's remains home from abroad.

Abeni's story is a reminder of how quickly illness can wipe out earnings for entertainers and other self-employed Nigerians who have no steady salary or health cover to fall back on.