Nigerian singer, Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has dedicated her award to young girls amidst the backslashes online, following claims that she disrespected President Muhammadu Buhari during the National Honour award event.
Naija News earlier reported that Buhari on Tuesday conferred some Nigerian citizens and foreigners with national honours.
The female singer who was amongst those conferred with national honours stirred reactions after receiving her award and walked away without shaking the president when her name was called.
The singer’s action attracted backlash as some termed her action disrespectful while others said Buhari didn’t offer her a handshake.
In a post shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday evening, Teni expressed appreciation to the president for recognising her consistent and meaningful participation in community and national development.
She also thanked God, the Federal Government and fans for supporting her work, adding that the award is for young girls, urging them to never stop dreaming because everything is possible.
She wrote: “With honour and gratitude to God, it was indeed a joyous moment to receive a National Honor yesterday. I was conferred MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR @muhammadubuhari President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Awards Committee headed by Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, the Emir of Lafia, after diligently going through over 5,000 submissions.
“Special thanks to God for this, the Federal Government, my loved ones and to you all supporting me from day 1. This honor is for the entire family of Rt. Brigadier General Simeon Olaosebikan Apata (Ascend), My Father.
“I was granted this award for “consistent and meaningful participation in community and/or national development; rendering unsolicited, selfless and philanthropic services to humanity; outstanding sacrifice in the defence of a cause popularly adjudged to be positive, relevant and beneficial to the nation and community.
“To the all the young girls this one is for you. Let’s not forget to stop dreaming. Nothing is impossible. Back to the work that got me here.”
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