Tinubu and Atiku Congratulate Funke Akindele on Box Office Record

President Bola Tinubu congratulated actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele on her record-setting film and commended the ace thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

Her movie titled ‘A Tribe Called Judah‘, which she produced and co-directed, was released in cinemas in Nigeria in mid-December last year, and after three weeks, it was reported to have grossed over N1 billion, becoming the highest-earning Nigerian movie ever.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelali, the President extolled the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

“The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” President Tinubu states

In a related development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated Ms. Akindele, on the success of her new movie. 

Posting on X, Atiku said the movie not only broke records but also stands as a beacon of cultural pride and unyielding Nollywood.

Congratulating the actress, Atiku wrote;

“I extend my heartiest congratulations to Funke Akindele for the phenomenal success of “A Tribe Called Judah”. 

This film has not only shattered box office records by becoming the first Nigerian movie to earn 1 billion naira in domestic theatres, but it also stands as a beacon of cultural pride and the unyielding spirit of Nollywood. A Tribe Called Judah” is not just a film; it is a cultural gem that reflects the vibrancy and resilience of Nigerian cinema. As a nation, we are incredibly proud of Funke’s achievements and her role in elevating Nigerian cinema to new heights. Her success is our success, and it inspires a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers in Nigeria and beyond. Congratulations, Funke, on this historic milestone. You have set a new standard for excellence, and your work inspires us all.”