Toyin Abraham honoured with Box Office Champion Award

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Thursday honoured actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham with a Box Office Champion Award. The feat makes Abraham the first debut director to gross over N1 billion in cinemas.

Shuaib Husseini, the Executive Director of NFVCB, 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. Her film’s performance is a signal that Nigerian stories are commanding global attention. We are witnessing actors becoming full-spectrum creators,” he said.

Accepting the award for her movie, “Oversabi Aunty”, 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. And I promise you, December, I’ll give you something bigger and better. 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. The event was attended by industry stakeholders and wife of the Ooni of Ife , Olori Temitope Ogunwusi.