Teni speaks on her national honour, silent on ‘rude’ behaviour

Nigerian singer, Teniola Apata, better known as Teni, has broken her silence following reactions that trailed her action considered discourteous while receiving a national honour, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), from President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

Many netizens had dragged Teni for being uncultured and not showing respect to President Buhari while receiving the award as she bounced on the stage after receiving it national honour.

Teni shared a clearer video of her receiving the award from the President, which many claimed was disrespectful.

The singer also wrote an appreciation message to God, the President and her family for the award.

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. New music soon.”