Tobi Makinde honours Funke Akindele in heartfelt tribute, praising her mentorship and work ethic during their collaborations on major Nollywood productions
Tobi Makinde honours Funke Akindele in a heartfelt tribute that has warmed the hearts of fans and industry insiders alike. The Nigerian actor and podcast host credited the iconic filmmaker with playing a pivotal role in his creative journey, calling her mentorship “life-changing.”
In a recent interview with Sunday Scoop, Makinde reflected on his time working with Akindele on blockbuster productions such as A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa.
He said the experience redefined his understanding of professionalism and transformed his approach to storytelling.
“The first time I worked with Funke, I knew I was standing on holy ground when it came to excellence. She’s not just talented, she’s intentional, focused and relentless in the best way,” Makinde said.
He went on to describe the acclaimed director’s leadership style as deeply inspiring, noting that Akindele sets a standard of excellence that lifts everyone around her.
“Working with her has been a masterclass, not just in acting, but in how to carry oneself as a creative. It changed how I approach everything.”
Makinde, who began acting as a child in productions like Kamsi and Neighbours, has steadily built a reputation as a thoughtful performer with an eye for depth.
He shared a moving story about a fan whose emotional reaction to his work reminded him of the power of storytelling.
He recounted a moment when a young woman approached him in tears, saying that watching his work helped her through a particularly dark period in her life.
“That interaction grounded me. It reminded me that what we do isn’t small. It can reach into someone’s darkness and bring light,” he recalled.
This awareness of impact, he explained, drives him to seek meaning in each performance and to approach each opportunity with renewed seriousness.
The actor’s evolution has also led him to expand into the world of podcasting with his new platform, The Tobi Makinde Show.
Speaking on the contrast between film and podcasting, Makinde said, “In film and television, there’s a script. But with the podcast, it’s just me, my guest, and the truth.” He added that the unscripted nature of podcasting has allowed him to explore vulnerability in new ways.
Makinde’s tribute to Akindele is just one of several in recent months, as fellow Nollywood stars continue to express admiration for her contribution to the industry.
Known for her intense preparation and eye for detail, Akindele has become a revered figure not just as an actress but as a producer and director who shapes careers.
The actor’s words further underscore Akindele’s growing legacy as a mentor to rising talents. He joins a growing list of creatives who credit her with offering guidance, opportunity, and example at critical points in their careers.
Fans online responded warmly to the tribute, with many calling for more behind-the-scenes stories of mentorship in the entertainment world.
One follower wrote, “Funke Akindele is building more than films. She’s building people.” Another remarked, “This is why she keeps winning. She invests in others.”
As Makinde continues to grow his presence across multiple platforms, he remains grounded in the value of storytelling and the importance of honouring those who make the journey possible.
His tribute is not just a thank-you — it’s a testament to the transformative power of leadership and legacy.
