Nigeria’s Popular highlife singer, Teniola Apata, better known as Teni has spoken up after her much talked about national award in recognition of her contribution to the music industry.
Teni was held on Tuesday, October 11, decorated with the honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by President Buhari himself.
For the entertainment category, Teni, TuBaba and Burna Boy were listed among 437 honourees from other industries for the national honours.
Teni’s critics argued that she was disrespectful to the President of Nigeria for not giving him a honourable handshake or as much as the traditional bow.
After receiving the award from the President, she did not wait for a handshake, walked majestically back to her seat, a situation that earned her the backlash.
Nevertheless, Teni The Entertainer via her Instagram page, shared a video of herself storming the award venue and captioned it:
“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.
New music soon.”
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Singer Teni Shocks Fans with Wedding videos and photos
Teni Breaks Silence after Receiving National Award and Critics Berating Her for Disrespecting the President (video)