January 05, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, on her record-setting film titled ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, which broke a box office record.
The President also commended her notable contributions to the growth of the film industry.
Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, January 5, 2023, 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.
“President Bola Tinubu celebrates the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.
“President Tinubu congratulates Ms. Funke Akindele on her record-setting film and commends the ace thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.
“The President extols 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,” the statement read.
Similarly, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, felicitated Funke Akindele on her N1 billion ticket sales.
Atiku, who made this known in a post on X on Friday, said that the movie’s success serves the unyielding spirit of Nollywood.
He wrote, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to @funkeakindele 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.”
He further said, “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.”