Amid her continued reign as Nollywood’s box office queen, Funke Akindele has laid bare the driving force behind her success, attributing her journey to God’s grace.
Speaking at the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) 2025 event, the award-winning filmmaker made it clear that no individual can take credit for her stardom.
According to her, it was only by God’s will that she became the force she is today in Nollywood.
“I am who I am today because of God. Nobody made me a star, only God did. When I started, I had so many challenges, but I kept pushing. The idea for Jenifa came to me at a time when I needed to reinvent myself, and I trusted God’s direction. I wrote my scripts, put in the work, and kept believing that my time would come,” Akindele shared.
The actress further reflected on the obstacles she has had to overcome to maintain her relevance in the industry.
“This journey has not been easy, but I have learnt to stay focused and keep evolving. The audience changes, trends come and go, but I remain determined. I was told to keep milking the Jenifa brand, and yes, I did, but I also expanded my craft. God keeps giving me the strength to push through, and I will continue to do so.”
Beyond her personal journey, Akindele delved into the evolving landscape of audience engagement and content marketing in Nigeria, stressing the importance of adaptability in staying relevant in the competitive film industry.
Akindele also spoke about the importance of resilience and innovation in Nollywood, especially in a time when the entertainment industry is constantly evolving.
She noted that remaining at the top requires more than just talent—it takes discipline, consistency, and the ability to adapt to changing audience preferences.
According to her, filmmakers must be ready to embrace new storytelling techniques and market trends while staying true to their artistic vision.
Reflecting on her journey, the actress expressed gratitude for the support she has received over the years, acknowledging that success in the industry is not a solo effort.
While she credited God for her rise, she also appreciated the fans who have stood by her and the colleagues who believed in her vision.
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