Entertainment
Colleagues, Fans Pour Tributes As Funke Akindele Marks

Nollywood star Funke Akindele was showered with warm tributes on social media on Sunday as colleagues, protégés, and fans marked her 48th birthday, praising the actress-producer for her friendship, mentorship and contributions to the film industry.
Akindele, best known for her comic creation Jenifa and the popular television series and films that grew from it, has long been celebrated as a mentor and role model to younger talents.
On Sunday, however, tributes poured in beyond her screen achievements to highlight her enduring friendships and influence on emerging entertainers.
In a viral post, skitmaker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, and acclaimed as Akindele’s adopted son, paid tribute to Akindele with a birthday song and an affectionate caption that referred to her as “Grandma Sonia” and “OLUFUNKE Ayotunde.”
READ ALSO:I’m A Feminist But I Don’t Support Disrespectful Wives – Funke Akindele
He posted, “Happy Birthday Grandma Sonia, lyami Olufunke Ayotunde…Words can’t express how much | appreciate you. You’ve always been more than just a godmother to me, you’ve been a source of strength, love, and unwavering support.
“Thank you for the countless ways you’ve shown me kindness, for believing in me, and for always being there, no matter what. I’m incredibly grateful for your presence in my life…Enjoy your day, lya Beji, Alase gbogbo FaanTV, JENIFA Kan, Lefty Miii,”
Popular actress Eniola Badmus, posting as @eniola_badmus on Instagram, described the box-office star as “more than just a friend,” calling her a “playmate, my gist partner, my safe place” and a source of joy.
“Thank you for all the memories and for making life so much brighter,” Badmus wrote, praying that the new year brings Akindele “endless joy, success, and blessings.”
READ ALSO:Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Becomes First Nollywood Film To Hit N1bn
Another well-wisher, @tobimakinde, lauded Akindele as a “true trailblazer, luminary and exemplar of excellence,” wishing her “greater strength, peace, and overflowing joy” and praying for continued success and good health.
Fans across platforms joined in the celebrations, sharing clips, photos and messages under birthday posts, with many praising her career achievements and role as a mentor in Nollywood.
@Metalistix commented, “Happy 48th Birthday, Funke Akindele! Congratulations to you on this special day. Many of us grew up watching you in our teens, and we’re still watching and celebrating you as adults – and we know we’ll continue cheering you on even in old age. Cheers to a beautiful life, more success, and endless joy. Keep shining, Funke!”
@Tina_rayx described Akindele as “The Wizkid of Nollywood. Number 1. Nobody comes close. Aura upon Aura.”
READ ALSO:VIDEO: Funke Akindele, Ex-husband JJC Skillz Reunite At Movie Premiere
@TowFunFun posted, “Happy birthday to the most successful actress in Nigerian history. The mother of many of us.”
Meanwhile, the creator of Jenifa used the occasion to reveal details of her next big project.
In a birthday message to fans, she announced her upcoming film Behind the Scenes, set for release in December 2025.
She said, “It’s my birthday today, and I feel so fulfilled. I’m graciously grateful to God for the grace to keep telling our stories… I’m using this special day to reveal my blockbuster movie, which premieres in December 2025, Behind The Scenes.”
Entertainment
Wema Bank, Davido Push 5ive Tour Through Four Regions Ahead Of Abuja Finale
Wema Bank and Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, are set to conclude the Nigerian leg of the 5ive Tour in Abuja on December 14, 2025, after successfully taking the tour through four regions of the country.
The Abuja show marks the latest development in the nationwide rollout of the 5ive Tour, which has so far attracted more than 80,000 attendees across four major cities.
The Nigerian leg of the tour has already made stops in Uyo, Yola, Enugu and Ibadan, covering all four regions in what organisers described as a deliberate effort to ensure diversity, inclusion and nationwide accessibility for fans.
The homecoming tour follows a successful global run earlier in the year, when Davido embarked on the 5ive Tour to celebrate the release of his fifth studio album, 5ive. He later announced in October 2025 that the tour would return to Nigeria, continuing his long-standing partnership with Wema Bank.
READ ALSO:Davido Reacts To Kwara Church Attack, Kebbi Girls Abduction
Since its kickoff, Wema Bank has amplified the tour experience with exclusive customer access, VIP packages and premium Davido 5ive Tour merchandise that has gained nationwide popularity.
The bank’s involvement has been credited with raising the bar for entertainment collaborations, contributing to what has become one of the biggest studio tours on the continent.
The partnership, already widely recognised from previous initiatives, has once again drawn commendation from fans and industry observers, who praise Wema Bank for maintaining a strong connection with youth culture and entertainment trends.
With excitement building ahead of the Abuja finale, Wema Bank has urged fans hoping to secure free tickets or limited-edition tour merchandise to follow its social media pages on Instagram, X and Facebook for updates as the #Wema5iveAliveTour approaches its grand conclusion.
READ ALSO:I Don’t Owe Davido Apology – Ruger On Alleged Rift With Colleague
The tour featured performances in five cities across Nigeria: Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos.
As the headline sponsor, Wema Bank spearheaded the execution of the tour, which promised to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees.
The bank launched an official hashtag, #Wema5iveAliveTour, and offered exclusive freebies and experiences to customers who sign up on the ALAT App using the code ‘Davido5iveAlive’ and remain active.
READ ALSO:Why It Would Be Difficult For Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy To Collaborate – Music Executive
“The excitement is off the charts as Nigerians wait impatiently in anticipation of what the Bank has in store for its customers.
“Anyone interested in getting access to the freebies and exclusives Wema Bank is bringing is expected to download the ALAT App, sign up using the code ‘Davido5iveAlive,’ stay active and follow the Bank on all social media platforms.”
Entertainment
‘There Was No Blueprint For Me’ – Wizkid Claims
Nigerian singer Wizkid has sparked controversy after claiming that he had no blueprint while coming up as an artist, despite having emerged through ace singer Banky W’s imprint.
The Ojuelegba crooner made the statement in a snippet of his upcoming HBO documentary Long Live Lagos.
“There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” he claimed.
His comment sparked debate on social media, with many insisting that it not only downplayed Banky W’s impact on his career but also disrespected the great Nigerian musicians who paved the way for the new generation of artists.
READ ALSO:Wizkid Is Married – DJ Tunez Reveals [VIDEO]
Wizkid, however, admitted elsewhere in the documentary that Fela Kuti inspired him to pursue music.
“Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music,” he said.
Some of the reactions on X include:
Franko_Nero wrote: “I still vividly remember the day that Bankole [Banky W] announced on a show that he wants to introduce a boy wonder, a germ in the making. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise. If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away.”
READ ALSO:Why It Would Be Difficult For Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy To Collaborate – Music Executive
Arhcent said: “This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. The person Banky picked from school into the studio is saying ‘I had to build a structure for myself.’ God sees all.”
Duke of Isoko wrote: “If he never built a structure, Banky probably wouldn’t have noticed him. This dude came out with his own style of music, dressing sense, etc., but I understand that English is a problem in this place.”
Sir Dickson opined: “People are debating this with reference to Banky’s impact in his life. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. He reinvented himself. Wiz has never denied Banky’s impact, nor can he. Let’s calm down.”
Entertainment
‘I Am Not Shy, I’m Just Laid Back’ – Olamide Addresses Misconception
Famous Nigerian rapper Olamide Baddo has addressed the misconception that he is shy.
Speaking in a recent interview with Ada’s Room, Baddo explained that he isn’t shy but laid back.
“One thing I wish people could understand about me is I am not shy, I am just laid back,” he said.
READ ALSO:Olamide Clarifies Seniority Debate Between Him And Wizkid In Music Industry
The host asked: “What is the difference between shy and laid back?”
Olamide responded: “Shy is when you don’t have the confidence and the charisma to stand people or look them in the eye or have conversations with them.
“But being laid back is you just don’t want to be bothered. People think I am shy but I am not.”
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