NFVCB Boss Reveals Why Funke Akindele Was Honoured

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has detailed the reasons behind the recent recognition of Nollywood actress, director, and producer Funke Akindele.

Akindele was honoured with four awards at the NFVCB office in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, February 27, 2026, in a ceremony attended by several notable figures from the Nigerian film industry.

According to sources at NFVCB, Akindele had been announced as the recipient of these awards at various times since 2020 but had not been available to collect them in person until the February presentation.

Dr. Husseini explained that previous attempts to present the awards were thwarted by Akindele’s busy schedule. “We had given some awards to Funke during our digital conferences, but she was not around because it was always at a time when she was travelling. There was a particular one in November while she was away, and she promised to collect it upon her return,” he said.

He added that the board wanted the occasion to be memorable, saying, “Funke is not just someone who will walk in here, and I will hand the award to her. We should at least celebrate her. Even if I were not the Executive Director, I would have organised something for the awards presentation. It is important to give people their flowers when they deserve it.”

Akindele received the Box Office Champion award for 2020 for her film Omo Ghetto, the Audience Choice Award (2024/2025) for Everybody Loves Jenifa, the Box Office Champion (2024/2025) for Everybody Loves Jenifa, and the Box Office Champion (2025/2026) for Behind the Scenes. The awards were presented by representatives from various guilds and industry bodies.

Several prominent industry figures attended the event, including the GM/CEO of the National Theatre, Mrs. Tola Akerele; AVRS chairman Mahmood Ali-Balogun; AGN Vice President and actress Dayo Amusa; President of the Association of Movie Producers Dr. Blessing Ebigeson; AFRIFF Founder Chioma Ude; and CEAN representative Patrick Lee, among others.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Husseini expressed gratitude to attendees and highlighted the significance of Akindele’s contribution to Nollywood. “We are here to celebrate a talent who has not only elevated this industry globally but also demonstrated that it is possible to succeed and thrive in this profession,” he said.