Entertainment
Funke Akindele declares herself self-made, credits God, hard work for success
Nollywood star Funke Akindele declares herself self-made, crediting her success to God, hard work, and veteran singer D’banj’s advice
Renowned Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele has described herself as self-made, emphasising that her achievements in the film industry stem from her dedication and divine intervention.
Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference organised by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, Akindele highlighted her journey to success, attributing it solely to God and her relentless efforts.
The award-winning actress, known for her blockbuster films, revealed that despite her self-driven success, veteran singer D’banj played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
Akindele recounted a crucial moment following the success of her 2009 film *Jenifa*, which became a cultural phenomenon.
She recalled meeting D’banj at a club event, where he encouraged her to capitalise on the *Jenifa* brand rather than move on too quickly.
“Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it. The first *Jenifa* was released in 2009, and that was the turning point,” she shared.
She added that D’banj insisted she should expand the *Jenifa* franchise instead of abandoning it. “He said, ‘No. You have to milk it.
It should not go like that. That’s a brand. Go and write another script.’ He gave me some money, and I went back and continued writing,” Akindele revealed.
Funke Akindele first gained recognition in the late 1990s through the popular TV series *I Need to Know*, which aired from 1998 to 2002.
However, it was *Jenifa* that propelled her to stardom, leading to a highly successful film series and a flourishing career as one of Nigeria’s most bankable producers.
Today, Akindele holds the record for the highest-grossing producer in Nigerian cinema, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.
The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.
“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.
The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.
Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.
His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.
Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.
However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.
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