Funke Akindele reveals secret behind her Nollywood success

Popular Nigerian filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has opened up about the dedication and perseverance behind her rise in the entertainment industry, stating that her success did not happen overnight.

The award-winning actress shared the reflection in a post on her social media page, where she spoke about the efforts she invested in achieving her dreams.

According to Akindele, her journey involved continuous learning, prayer and the determination to constantly restrategise, reevaluate and re-execute her plans.

“My journey didn’t start in a day. It took learning, praying, and choosing to restrategise, reevaluate, re-execute. That’s how Behind The Scenes became a reality,” she wrote.

She expressed gratitude to her supporters and collaborators, while reaffirming her commitment to telling authentic African stories through her films.

The filmmaker’s remarks come shortly after she received recognition from the National Film and Video Censors Board for her record-breaking achievements in the Nigerian movie industry.

Akindele dedicated the honour to creatives who dare to dream big and remain consistent despite challenges, appreciating fans and colleagues for believing in her vision.

She also recently shared a moment with Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the Lagos State governor watched her movie Behind The Scenes. According to her, moments like that remind her that staying committed to one’s craft can open doors in unexpected places.

The actress also paid a courtesy visit to the Ibrahim Sulu Gambari alongside some colleagues, including comedian Cute Abiola and actress Funmi Awelewa.

Akindele’s 2025 cinema release, Behind The Scenes, reportedly grossed over ₦2.1 billion within a month of its release, further cementing her status as one of Nollywood’s leading box-office stars.