The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Thursday honoured Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham with a Box Office Champion Award following the commercial success of her film, Oversabi Aunty.
In February, the movie surpassed the ₦1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office, making Abraham the first debut director to achieve such a milestone in cinemas. It is also now ranked among the highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time.
The film follows the story of an overzealous church usher whose constant interference in family matters leads to a series of chaotic and comedic consequences.
It features a star-studded cast, including Mike Ezuruonye and Odunlade Adekola and has been lauded for its relatable humour and cultural themes.
Speaking at the event, NFVCB Executive Director Shuaib Husseini described the achievement as a historic moment for the industry.
“It is my honour to welcome you as we celebrate excellence and remarkable achievements within Nigeria’s film industry.
“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the industry’s growing strength. You have entertained millions and encouraged others to dream bigger,” he said.
READ ALSO: Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ Grosses ₦1bn At Box Office
On his part, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Sanusi Yakubu, represented by Don Pedro, said the occasion marked a defining moment for Nollywood.
“We gather not merely to present an award but to mark a defining moment,” he said, describing Abraham as a creative force shaping the industry’s economic direction.
“Her film’s performance is a signal that Nigerian stories are commanding global attention,” he added.
In her remarks, Abraham expressed gratitude to the NFVCB for the recognition and acknowledged the support of her husband and team.
Reflecting on her journey into directing, she said, “I told my manager that I wanted to direct this movie by myself, alone. I went to my industry godmother, Mrs Bolanle Austin-Peters, and I told her that I wanted to shoot a movie.”
She also shared her excitement about the film’s success and the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
Today, the National Film and Video Censors Board @nfvcb, @igalaman hosted me and presented me with a recognition award for grossing over a billion naira at the box office, and for being the first solo director to achieve such a feat with a debut project.
This is a huge honor,… pic.twitter.com/v0zZwTmIsM
In a post shared on her X (formerly Twitter) page, Abraham described the recognition as a major milestone.
“Today, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), hosted me and presented me with a recognition award for grossing over a billion naira at the box office, and for being the first solo director to achieve such a feat with a debut project.
“This is a huge honour, one I deeply cherish and appreciate, especially coming from such a reputable organisation,” she wrote.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in the film industry, including Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, whose presence Abraham described as a highlight of the occasion.
“As if that wasn’t enough to make the day unforgettable, I was pleasantly surprised when Her Majesty, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, graced us with her presence despite her demanding schedule,” she said.
Abraham also reflected on the message behind Oversabi Aunty, noting its focus on parenting and family values.
“Oversabi Aunty is more than just a film; it is a wake-up call for families, especially mothers, to realise that there is more to raising a child than shouting or reacting dramatically,” she said.
Funke Akindele’s film Behind The Scenes also made a box office success, grossing ₦2.4 billion and ranking as both the highest-grossing film of the year and the weekend.
Released in December 2025, it was the first Nollywood movie to surpass ₦2 billion, reaching ₦1 billion in just 17 days and hitting a single-day high of ₦129.5 million on Boxing Day.
The film broke the previous record held by Everybody Loves Jenifa and adds to Akindele’s achievements, making her the only Nigerian filmmaker with three films earning over ₦1 billion each (Behind The Scenes, Everybody Loves Jenifa, and A Tribe Called Judah), with a combined total of about ₦5.39 billion.
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