Oversabi Aunty: Toyin Abraham receives NFVCB’s Box Office Champion Award

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham has promised to deliver a bigger and better work than her movie, Oversabi Aunty which has so far grossed over N1 billion at the box office.

Abraham said this on Thursday the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) her with a Box Office Champion Award.

The recognition follows her film, “Over Sabi Aunty”, surpassing the N1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office.

The feat makes Abraham the first debut director to gross over N1 billion in cinemas.

Accepting the award, Abraham praised her husband for being a good man and father.

She said: “Thank you for being the best husband. Thank you for allowing me to be me.”

She also extended her gratitude to NFVCB for the recognition.

“I’m just that girl, my mum says she passed out but this is me today. I promise you, December, I’ll give you something bigger and better.”

Abraham revealed that she decided to direct the movie herself – writing the story and scripting the scenes – after feeling frustrated with being told what to do by others.

“I told my manager that I wanted to direct this movie by myself, alone. I went to my industry godmother, Mrs Bolanle Austin-Peters, and I told her that I wanted to shoot a movie,” she said.

The actress thanked her team and expressed excitement at seeing one of her dreams come to life.

Speaking earlier, Executive Director of NFVCB, Shuaib Husseini, described the milestone as historic for Nollywood.

“It is my honour to welcome you as we celebrate excellence and remarkable achievements within Nigeria’s film industry,” he said.

Husseini noted that the achievement reflects the resilience and global potential of Nollywood.

“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the industry’s growing strength,” he added.

He said the board remained committed to supporting a thriving film culture that entertains and contributes to the national economy.

Husseini commended Abraham for inspiring a new generation of filmmakers.

“You have entertained millions and encouraged others to dream bigger,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Sanusi Yakubu, praised Abraham’s impact.

Yakubu was represented by Don Pedro at the event.

“We gather not merely to present an award but to mark a defining moment,” he said.

He described Abraham as a creative force shaping the industry’s economic direction.

“Her film’s performance is a signal that Nigerian stories are commanding global attention,” he added.

Yakubu noted a shift as actors evolve into investors and drivers of production.

“We are witnessing actors becoming full-spectrum creators,” he said.

The event was attended by industry stakeholders and wife of the Ooni of Ife , Olori Temitope Ogunwusi.(NAN)