Abuja: Fans of ace Nigerian comedienne and actress, Helen Paul, have celebrated her as she marks her 43rd birthday on Friday.
The hilarious artist had earlier announced her birthday in a post on her verified Instagram account @itshelenpaul, where she congratulated herself for the milestone.
She wrote:”+1 today. Happy Birthday to me!
“Dear God, thank You for the gift of life. As I add a new year today, please bless me with good health, long life, wisdom, favour, and endless blessings.
“Let this new year bring me peace, progress, and testimonies. May my steps be guided and my dreams fulfilled. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
After sharing this heartfelt post, her fans, well-wishers, and industry colleagues quickly responded, flooding social media with goodwill messages and prayers for the artiste.
@martina_ph.d said: “Happy birthday, Prof., you’re an inspiration. I wish you a long life and prosperity. Have a wonderful celebration.”
@adeolatheentertainer said: “Happy birthday, darling friend, may everything good thing favour your new age.”
@iamewaoluwa_ wrote: “Happy birthday ma, @itshelenpaul God bless and keep you, may you see your children’s children ma, in good health and sound mind.”
@mcrhelax said: “My very own Maaaamiiiiii… The Professor of our own Kingdom… Endless achiever and goal getter! Top-notch senior leader. May Heaven bless your name and make it stay with us forever.”
@i_am_orobolaraymond wrote: “Happy birthday, beautiful mama Africa, hilarious and candy, soft and strong, playful and very focused, simple and complex. God bless your new year with his mercy and favour.”
kentedunjobi wrote: “Happy birthday, aunty mi. Thank you for always being there for me, ma. Wishing you joy everlasting.”
officiallolo2_ said: “A woman of Solid convictions … .who loves deeper than a lot of people! Happy birthday, and I pray God will fill all the gaps you desire him to fill for you in Jesus name.”
Helen Paul, born on May 1, 1983, in Lagos, is a versatile stand-up comedian, known as ‘Tatafo’, characterised by a distinctive child-like comic voice and satirical style.
Paul gained fame as a comic character on the radio show ‘Wetin Dey’ on Radio Continental Lagos, playing a witty kid who lampooned societal issues. In 2012, she released her debut music album ‘Welcome Party’, featuring Afro-Pop songs including “Boju Boju”, “Vernacular”, and “Gbedu.”s.
She has also featured in several Nollywood films and has clinched recognition and awards for her artistic excellence, including Comedienne of the Year (2012) at the African Film Awards (Afro-Hollywood, UK).
In 2014, she won the Outstanding TV presenter (Female) in the Entertainment/Talk Show category at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
Beyond comedy, Paul is also an academic with a doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, making headlines as one of Nigeria’s notable entertainers who balances entertainment with scholarship.