Afrobeats famous person Ayo Balogun, popularly referred to as Wizkid, is ceaselessly the point of interest of media consideration, however in the back of his status lies a community whose generosity has lengthy impacted their native population.
Presen discussions about Wizkid ceaselessly revolve round his contention with fellow musician, Davido, citizens of Somade Crescent, Surulere, Lagos, the place Wizkid grew up, have shared a special narrative—certainly one of approbation and empathy from the Balogun community.
Not too long ago, a viral video confirmed Wizkid’s father, Alhaji Munir Balogun, distributing cash to community, sparking reactions on-line.
Alternatively, for many who knew the Baloguns individually, this business of approbation was once not anything unutilized.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the community was once identified for his or her compassion and loyalty to serving to others, characteristics which, in step with citizens, they exhibited lengthy prior to Wizkid completed international status.
Mrs Pleasure Oritsesan, the chairperson of the Family Construction Affiliation for Somade Crescent, the place the Baloguns old to reside, described the community as selfless.
Consistent with her, Wizkid’s folks had been at all times serious about population actions, supporting their neighbours with out indecision. Oritsesan recalled how the community would cheerfully grant meals and cash to these in want, particularly the protection guards on the property gate.
“They were always willing to help, even when they didn’t have to,” Oritsesan mentioned. “Wizkid and his parents treated everyone with a smile and respect. I’ve known them for years, and they’ve never looked down on anyone despite their status.”
Oritsesan shared a tale a few occasion when Wizkid’s community gave N10,000 each and every to greater than 50 youngsters underneath the pace of 12. Consistent with her, this business of approbation wasn’t finished for exposure however out of a real need to aid. “It hurts me when people say negative things about them. They’re a good family, and it’s clear they’ve made a lasting impact on our community.”
The CDA chairperson recalled diverse circumstances when the Balogun community stepped in to aid the population.
“Whenever we needed something on the street, we would reach out to them,” she mentioned. “Even if Wizkid wasn’t around, we could always talk to his parents. They never turned us away. They were always willing to help.”
Consistent with Oritsesan, Wizkid nonetheless visits the population infrequently, a lot to the satisfaction of the citizens. “Last December, he came and gave N10,000 to over 50 children under the age of 12. If a house had five children, that family received N50,000. They didn’t hand the money to me to distribute; they came themselves with their sister and shared it directly with the families. After finishing at Somade, they went to Small London to do the same.”
Regardless of Wizkid’s status, Oritsesan wired that the community’s generosity had remained consistent. “Wizkid gives palliatives from time to time, and he visits the community at least three times a year. People often ask them for help, and no one ever comes back saying they weren’t assisted. I pray that the good that Wizkid and his family have done will multiply for them and their generations yet to come, in Jesus’ name.”
Kamil Ajiboluwa, the CDA chairman of Miniature London, some other neighbourhood in Surulere, expressed alike sentiments. He famous that the population was once at all times excited on every occasion Wizkid or his father visited. “His family has done a lot for us, but there are still some things we need,” Ajiboluwa mentioned, interesting for support in offering sun lighting for the population. “Some of the lights we have are no longer functioning, and there are areas that still need lighting.”
Ajiboluwa, like many others, stated the contributions the Baloguns had made over time. “Wizkid’s father is a blessing to this community. We are always happy to see him and appreciate everything they’ve done for us.”
For plenty of citizens, Wizkid is greater than only a international track icon—he’s anyone they grew up with. Kehinde Adigun, a resident of Somade Crescent, reminisced about their formative years, recalling how they performed in combination within the neighbourhood.
“Wizkid grew up here. It’s been a while since he last visited, but whenever he does, he always plays with the children at our mini football pitch. He gives money to people and shares palliatives with the elderly.”
Adigun additionally remembered how Wizkid old to wait the yearly Shitta Carnival, ceaselessly appearing for the citizens. “Last year, he couldn’t make it, and people were disappointed, but I’m sure it was because he was busy at the time,” he mentioned.
Every other resident, Hassan Garba, expressed his gratitude to Wizkid for at all times remembering his roots. “We grew up together, but now he’s a big man. People can’t just approach him like before, but if he sees us, he recognises us. He knows our brother Fago very well—they used to play together back in the day. He’s a good person, and he always remembers us.”
The Balogun community’s generosity has left an enduring influence at the citizens of Somade Crescent and Miniature London. Their acts of approbation—whether or not distributing cash to youngsters, offering meals for safety guards, or providing backup to these in want—have earned them the affection and appreciate of the population.
Presen Wizkid’s status continues to develop, the citizens of Surulere will at all times be mindful the younger boy who grew up on their streets, in addition to his community, who by no means hesitated to grant a serving to hand.
For those citizens, Wizkid’s father, Alhaji Balogun, left-overs a blessing to the population, embodying the spirit of generosity that has outlined the Balogun community for years.