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The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has honoured Nollywood actress, producer and director Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi with the prestigious Box Office Champion Award for the record-breaking performance of her film Oversabi Aunty at the Nigerian box office.
Presenting the award in Lagos, the Executive Director of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, described the occasion as a celebration of excellence, creativity and the rapid growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
“It is my honour to welcome you all to this special occasion as we celebrate excellence, creativity and the remarkable achievements within Nigeria’s film industry,” he said.
Husseini also conveyed the goodwill of the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who was unavoidably absent due to an official engagement in the United Kingdom. He noted that the minister fully supports the recognition and congratulated the award recipient.
Highlighting the film’s performance, Husseini said Oversabi Aunty has surpassed the ₦1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office, describing the feat as both a personal triumph for the actress and a strong signal of Nollywood’s growing global relevance.
“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the growing strength, resilience and global potential of Nollywood,” he said, adding that the Board remains committed to supporting a thriving film culture that contributes to the national economy.
The NFVCB boss also expressed appreciation to Olori Temitope Ogunwusi for serving as Mother of the Day, noting that her presence added dignity to the event. He further commended industry guilds and professional bodies for their continued collaboration in advancing the sector.
In a goodwill message, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Sanusi Abubakar Yakubu, described the award as a defining moment where art, enterprise and destiny converge.
He praised Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi as a trailblazer who has redefined possibilities in Nollywood, noting that the film’s ₦1.6 billion box office performance reflects a more commercially driven and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
Speaking at the event, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi said her presence underscored her appreciation for the film industry and the celebrant. Reflecting on the film, she noted that Oversabi Aunty delivers an important message on parenting and the need for stronger relationships between parents and their children.
In her response, Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi expressed gratitude to the NFVCB for the recognition and thanked stakeholders across the creative industry, as well as the Olori, for honouring the occasion with their presence.
The event attracted key stakeholders from across the creative sector, reinforcing the growing recognition of cinema as a major driver of cultural expression and economic growth in Nigeria.
