Celebrated Nollywood filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has been honoured with multiple prestigious awards by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) at a special ceremony in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The event, held at the board’s South West Zonal Office, brought together major stakeholders across Nigeria’s film industry to celebrate her outstanding contribution to Nollywood.
The ceremony was attended by top industry figures, including NFVCB Executive Director Shaibu Husseini, Actors Guild of Nigeria National Vice President Dayo Amusa, and Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria chairman Mahmood Ali-Balogun.
Also present were Association of Movie Producers Nigeria president Blessing Ebigieson, entertainment executive Chioma Ude, and Directors Guild of Nigeria Vice President Grace Edwin-Okon.
In his opening remarks, Husseini praised Akindele’s impact on the film industry.
“We are here to celebrate a talent, we are here to celebrate somebody who has made this industry not only visible to the world but to tell everyone that it is possible to be in this industry and make money from the industry.”
He explained that the filmmaker had previously missed several award presentations due to her busy schedule, prompting the board to organise a full celebration in her honour.
“We should at least celebrate her… I think it is important for us to give people their flowers when they deserve it.”
Akindele received multiple recognitions, including: Excellence in Promoting Indigenous Films, Box Office Champion Award for Omo Ghetto: The Saga, recognised as Nollywood’s highest-grossing film of 2020, Audience Choice Award for Everybody Loves Jenifa, and Box Office Champion Award for Outstanding Performance as the highest-grossing filmmaker in 2025 and 2026 with Behind The Scenes.
Reacting emotionally to the recognition, the filmmaker expressed gratitude to the organisers and guests.
“Thank you for the honor… It’s years of a lot of hard work. Hard work, dedication, perseverance, staying focused, being intentional about success. A lot of sleepless nights… meeting people, seeing people celebrating you, is a blessing for me.”
She also urged stakeholders to support and protect Nigeria’s film industry.
“Nollywood is what we have… We must not bring down Nollywood. Don’t talk ill about Nollywood. This is where we eat from.”
Akindele also commended the NFVCB leadership for positive reforms.
“Thank you Uncle Shaibu… I can see the changes, the positivity… you are correcting us lovingly. You are supporting us.”
She further expressed excitement about visiting the National Theatre, while encouraging practitioners to stay active within professional guilds and industry associations.