Lagos: The Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Friday honoured Nigeria’s Box Office queen, Funke Akindele, with multiple awards in recognition of her achievements in the Nollywood industry.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akindele received five awards at a ceremony held at the NFVCB Hall, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The event, organised by the Managing Director of NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, was attended by the Director-General of the National Arts Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele, who represented Mrs Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. Musawa, in her remarks, commended Akindele for her significant contributions to the Nollywood industry.
Musawa congratulated Akindele for her consistency over the past four years, which earned her the title of Nigeria’s Box Office Queen. She praised Akindele’s creativity, discipline, and innovation, highlighting her ability to captivate audiences and generate significant box office returns. Musawa noted that Akindele’s achievements have become industry benchmarks and have inspired many Nigerians globally.
Musawa further stated that Akindele’s performances have fostered greater cultural awareness of Nigerian society. She emphasized the economic and cultural influence of Nollywood and reiterated the commitment to policies that will expand cinema across Africa. Musawa concluded by congratulating Akindele on setting a new benchmark for excellence and consistency in the industry.
Dr Husseini extolled Akindele’s virtues, noting that she deserved the recognition. He mentioned that the awards had been planned since 2020, and they were presented to acknowledge her accomplishments. The ceremony was planned as a surprise to honor Akindele’s great works.
Veteran filmmaker and Managing Director of BrickHouse Media, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, also praised Akindele for elevating Nollywood to international recognition. He acknowledged the challenges within the industry but emphasized the importance of unity and celebrating achievements.
An elated Akindele expressed gratitude to the NFVCB and attendees, reiterating her commitment to contributing further to Nollywood’s growth. She attributed her success to dedication and hard work.
Other speakers, including veteran actress and Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) South-West Vice President, Dayo Amusa, and the General Manager of Ozone Cinemas, Mr Patrick Lee, commended Akindele for breaking barriers in the industry. NAN reports that the NFVCB presented Akindele with four awards, while the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) presented her with one award.
She received the Box Office Champion Award (2020) for the film, Omo Ghetto: The Saga; the Audience Choice Award (2024/2025) for Everybody Loves Jenifa; the Box Office Champion Award (2024/2025) for Everybody Loves Jenifa; and the Box Office Champion Award (2025/2026) for Behind The Scenes. RATTAWU presented her with the ‘Promotion of Indigenous Film Culture in Nigeria’ award.