Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu has showered praise on actresses Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham and Ini Edo for their strong box office performances this December, describing them as “phenomenal queens” of the Nigerian film industry.
The trio currently dominate cinemas across the country with their respective films — Behind the Scenes by Funke Akindele, Oversabi Aunty by Toyin Abraham, and A Very Dirty Christmas produced by Ini Edo. The movies have continued to attract large audiences, reinforcing the commercial power of female-led projects in Nollywood.
Taking to her Instagram page, Mo Abudu applauded the actresses for creating compelling stories, breaking barriers and showcasing the growing influence of women in film. She noted that their success reflects the strength, creativity and leadership of women shaping the future of the Nigerian movie industry. Abudu also encouraged cinema lovers to catch the films in theatres nationwide, including EbonyLife Cinemas.
“Here’s to women leading, inspiring, and shaping the future of the Nigerian film industry,” she wrote, adding hashtags such as WomenInFilm, BoxOfficeQueens and CreativePower to her post.
Meanwhile, comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun (AY) recently sparked debate after lamenting what he described as a lack of support from male colleagues while promoting his own cinema release. His comments were widely misinterpreted as a swipe at female filmmakers enjoying box office success. However, AY later clarified that his remarks were not directed at Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham or Ini Edo, stressing that they had supported and encouraged his work. He explained that his comments were aimed at men who, in his view, fail to support their fellow men in the industry.
The celebration of Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham and Ini Edo comes amid ongoing conversations about collaboration, support and gender dynamics within Nollywood, as female-led productions continue to set new commercial benchmarks.
