Ini Edo Applauds Colleagues' Record-Breaking Box Office Success
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has extended heartfelt congratulations to her colleagues Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele following their remarkable achievements at the Nigerian box office. The veteran star praised both actresses for their groundbreaking successes, which have set new benchmarks for the Nigerian film industry.
Celebrating Billion-Naira Milestones
Ini Edo specifically celebrated Toyin Abraham's film Oversabi Aunty and Funke Akindele's project Behind The Scene, both of which have achieved extraordinary financial success. While Toyin's movie became the fourth highest-grossing Nollywood film to cross the ₦1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office, Funke's project achieved an even more impressive feat by grossing ₦2.4 billion and extending its record-breaking run across cinemas throughout West Africa.
"I want to congratulate these industry titans for literally breaking all records and pushing beyond every envelope to record these groundbreaking successes for Nollywood," Ini wrote in her celebratory message. "My respect for these two has taken a hike. The level of commitment, strategizing, marketing and playing the game generally is on a whole different level."
Reflecting on Personal Film Journey
While celebrating her colleagues' achievements, Ini Edo also took time to reflect on her own filmmaking journey. The actress released her film A Very Dirty Christmas in 2025 and expressed pride in herself and her team despite the project not achieving the same box office records as her colleagues' works.
"I knew it was kinda overambitious of me to think I could run this whole December race but me and my coconut head," she admitted. "I've always known myself to follow my gut and do as I please. So yeah, I sacrificed my holiday to achieve an ambition. I am particularly proud of myself and my team who were kind enough to stay committed to the project."
Lessons Learned and Future Plans
The actress revealed that she had learned valuable lessons from her 2025 film experience and hinted at potentially giving movie production another chance in 2026. Her film A Very Dirty Christmas had previously generated controversy when the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed concerns about the title, which some described as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.
"We came, we pushed, made our mark and learned our lessons," Ini stated. "To every one of you... don't be afraid of making that move. What's the worst that could happen? Win or lose, we move... 2026. I fit try am again o."
Fan Reactions and Industry Support
Ini Edo's celebratory post generated significant engagement from fans and followers who appreciated her supportive stance toward her colleagues while also encouraging her own filmmaking efforts. Several comments highlighted the positive spirit of collaboration within Nollywood and expressed confidence in Ini's future projects.
The actress's message comes at a time when Nigerian cinema is experiencing unprecedented growth, with multiple films achieving remarkable commercial success and expanding the industry's reach across Africa and beyond. Ini Edo's celebration of her colleagues' achievements while reflecting on her own journey represents the supportive and collaborative spirit that continues to drive Nollywood's evolution as a major force in global entertainment.
