By JOY AKANU

Fans of ace Nigerian comedian and actress, Helen Paul, have celebrated her as she marks her 43rd birthday on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hilarious artiste earlier announced her birthday in a post on her verified Instagram account @itshelenpaul, and 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, favor, 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.”

Following the post, fans, well-wishers and industry colleagues have flooded social media with goodwill messages and prayers for the artiste.

@martina_ph.d said: “Happy birthday Prof. you’re an inspiration. I wish you 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 focus, 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”.

NAN reports that 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 broke out as a naughty comic character on the radio program ‘Wetin Dey’ on Radio Continental Lagos as a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner.

In 2012, she released her debut music album ‘Welcome Party’, which contains Afro-Pop songs such as “Boju Boju”, “Vernacular”, “Gbedu”, amongst others.

She has also featured in several Nollywood films, and as well clinched recognitions and awards for her artistry excellence, including Comedienne of the Year (2012) at the African Film Awards (Afro-Hollywood, UK).

In 2014, she won the Outstanding TV presenter (Female) for Entertainment/Talk Show at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).

Beyond comedy, Paul is also an academic, with a doctorate degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, making headlines as one of Nigeria’s notable entertainers balancing entertainment with scholarship. (NAN)