The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting excellence, professionalism, and commercial sustainability in Nigeria’s film industry.
He made this known as the Board honoured renowned filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele with the prestigious Nollywood Box Office Champion Award.
Akindele received the award for her outstanding box office performances. She was recognised for her 2020 film Omo Ghetto, her 2024/2025 release Everybody Loves Jenifa, and her 2026 production Behind The Scenes, which grossed ₦2.7 billion in box office returns.
Speaking at the award ceremony held at the NFVCB Lagos Office and attended by top industry practitioners, Husseini described the occasion as a celebration of excellence and a milestone in the evolution of Nigerian cinema.
“As the regulatory body responsible for the classification and regulation of film and video works, including their distribution and exhibition, the NFVCB remains committed not only to upholding standards but also to encouraging growth within the industry,” he stated.
The Board noted that for four consecutive years, Akindele has dominated the Nigerian box office. According to NFVCB, her productions have set new records, expanded cinema audiences, and demonstrated that well-crafted Nigerian stories can achieve both cultural resonance and commercial success.
Husseini said her achievement reflects vision, discipline, strategic distribution, and a deep understanding of audience engagement. He described it as clear evidence that Nollywood continues to evolve creatively and economically.
“This award is more than a trophy,” he added. “It is a statement that excellence in cinema exhibition matters. It is a signal that consistency and professionalism will always be recognised. It also affirms the immense promise of Nigeria’s creative economy.”
In her goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Creative Economy and Tourism, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by Mrs. Tola Akelere, described Akindele as a phenomenon and trailblazer whose consistency has set industry benchmarks.
The Minister, in a video message, praised Akindele’s four-year box office dominance. She said her work showcases Nigeria’s potential for consistent, captivating, and profitable cinema. According to her, the achievement sends a strong message that Nollywood is both culturally influential and economically viable.
The Chairperson of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Mrs. Chioma Ude, also applauded Akindele’s originality and storytelling prowess. She recalled her first encounter with the actress in The Return of Jenifa, describing the production as captivating and impactful.
Similarly, the General Manager of the National Theatre, Mrs. Akerele, praised Akindele’s resilience, humility, and openness to growth. She noted that her discipline and continuous improvement serve as inspiration to women across the industry.
Goodwill messages also came from the Audio-visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), and the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).
In her acceptance remarks, Akindele attributed her success to relentless dedication, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She described awards as motivation to aim higher with every production and acknowledged colleagues and stakeholders for recognising her efforts.
She emphasised that Nollywood is collectively owned and urged practitioners to resist selfish interests. According to her, unity and collaboration remain key drivers of industry growth.
Addressing public commentary about her energetic dancing while promoting Behind The Scenes, Akindele explained that it was a creative and cost-effective marketing strategy rooted in originality and audience connection.
She also welcomed constructive criticism and appreciated the NFVCB for recognising her work while maintaining regulatory standards.
“Nollywood is big enough for everyone,” she said, calling on established professionals to support emerging creatives and ensure collective growth.
