Nollywood star Toyin Abraham addressed online shade from a fan of her colleague Funke Akindele before sharing a deeply grateful note about being honoured by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for her record-breaking directorial debut.
The actress responded sharply to a comment on a throwback photo from the crew photoshoot of her film Ijakumo. The fan had compared the image to Funke’s project and accused Toyin of always copying her. Toyin expressed clear frustration with such constant comparisons, making it known she was tired of having her hard work diminished in this way.
Shortly after handling the criticism, Toyin turned her focus to a significant achievement. She was presented with the Box Office Champion award by the NFVCB for her film Oversabi Aunty, which has grossed over N1 billion at the box office. This makes her the first solo director to achieve such a feat with a debut project. The recognition ceremony was hosted by NFVCB Director General Shuaibu Husseini and graced by Her Majesty Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Toyin expressed her appreciation:
“Today, the National Film and Video Censors Board hosted me and presented me with a recognition award for grossing over a billion naira at the box office, and for being the first solo director to achieve such a feat with a debut project. This is a huge honour, one I deeply cherish and appreciate, especially coming from such a reputable organisation.”
Toyin described the film as more than entertainment:
“Oversabi Aunty is more than just a film, it is a wake-up call for families, especially mothers, to realize that there is more to raising a child than shouting or reacting dramatically.”
She extended thanks to her supporters and partners:
“Thank you to everyone who showed up today, sent kind words, and to those who are genuinely happy to see the efforts of a young woman being recognised and celebrated. The greatest fan in the world, Toyintitans, I see you, and I love you all. My partners, Filmone, thank you for being there every step of the way. This is the first of many.”
The actress reflected on her journey, noting that the award reminds her hard work, perseverance, and passion never go unnoticed. She added that she sees herself as her own competition and remains grateful for genuine support.
This recognition follows Oversabi Aunty joining Funke Akindele’s films in the N1 billion box office club earlier this year.