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Nollywood actress, producer, and filmmaker Funke Akindele has expressed deep gratitude following a special recognition from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in honour of her outstanding achievements and consistency in the Nigerian film industry.
The celebrated filmmaker, fondly regarded as the “Box Office Queen,” was honoured at a ceremony held on Friday at the NFVCB office in Ikoyi, Lagos. The event brought together top industry stakeholders, guild leaders, and creative professionals who gathered to celebrate her remarkable contributions to Nollywood.
Funke received multiple awards, including the Box Office Champion Award (2020) for her blockbuster hit Omo Ghetto, as well as the Audience Choice Award (2024/2025) and the Box Office Champion Award (2024/2025) for Everybody Loves Jenifa. She also clinched the Box Office Champion Award (2025/2026) for her recent cinema success, Behind The Scenes.
Taking to her Instagram page to react, Akindele described the moment as deeply emotional and fulfilling, stating that the honour reaffirmed her years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance.
“Yesterday was truly special. I was honoured and recognised for my hard work and consistency in the entertainment industry, and my heart is full of gratitude,” she wrote.
She went on to appreciate the leadership of the NFVCB, particularly its Executive Director, Dr Shaibu Husseini, and Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Honourable Hannatu Musawa, for the recognition.
“My sincere appreciation to Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, and to Honourable Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy of Nigeria, for this incredible recognition,” she added.
Funke also acknowledged the support of various industry guilds and associations that attended the event, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU).
“This award belongs to God, my amazing fans, my family, my hardworking team, and every colleague who has walked this journey with me. I dedicate this to every creative who dares to dream big and stay consistent. Thank you all for believing in me and in the vision. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come,” she concluded.
Beyond the awards, Akindele recently shared a touching encounter with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealing that he had watched her movie Behind The Scenes. According to her, moments like that remind her that commitment and consistency can open doors beyond imagination.
The award-winning filmmaker also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, alongside fellow entertainers including Cute Abiola, Funmi Awelewa, and Erekere. Sharing clips from the visit, Funke described the experience as emotional and expressed gratitude for the monarch’s warm reception.
Funke’s latest cinema project, Behind The Scenes, has continued its record-breaking run, grossing over ₦2.1 billion within one month of release. The film also posted impressive international numbers, earning $190,249 in North America and more than $111,256 in Canada, making it one of the highest-grossing Nollywood releases abroad. In total, the movie has surpassed ₦2.2 billion globally.
Late last year, Akindele marked 27 years in the movie industry, reflecting on her journey and crediting God’s favour, discipline, and relentless hard work for her sustained success. She admitted that the road had not always been smooth but described it as deeply rewarding.
While encouraging young creatives, she stressed the importance of perseverance, humility, and growth. According to her, true progress often happens outside one’s comfort zone.
“With each film project, I am reminded that growth happens outside of comfort zones. Hard work, consistency, and focus lead to continuous growth,” she once shared.
As accolades continue to pour in, Funke Akindele remains one of Nollywood’s most influential figures, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to dream boldly, work relentlessly, and stay true to their vision.
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