Fans, colleagues, and well-wishers have celebrated veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, on her 49th birthday.
Akindele, who clocked 49 on Monday, shared the celebration on her verified Instagram page, @funkejenifaakindele, expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, guidance and protection throughout her life.
“Today is my birthday. My heart is full of gratitude to God for all he has done, is doing, and all that is still to come,” she wrote.
Reflecting on her journey, the actress said God had remained her “strength and shield” through different seasons, challenges, victories and mistakes.
She prayed for good health, long life, peace and the grace to continue fulfilling her purpose.
Akindele also expressed her desire to impact more lives, create opportunities, nurture talents and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
“May I never stop giving back. May I never stop growing. May my life remain a testimony, and may the way I live inspire others to believe, dream and keep going,” she added.
Her birthday post attracted an outpouring of goodwill messages and prayers from fans, friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Among those who celebrated her were media personality KieKie, actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, influencer Diiadem, actress Hilda Baci and other well-wishers, who prayed for her continued success, good health and fulfillment.
Funke Akindele, born on Aug. 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is an award-winning Nigerian actress, filmmaker, producer and director.
She rose to prominence through her role as Bisi in the television series I Need to Know before gaining widespread recognition for her portrayal of the iconic Jenifa character in the 2008 movie Jenifa.
The success of the film led to subsequent projects, including The Return of Jenifa and the popular television series Jenifa’s Diary, further establishing her as one of Nollywood’s leading actresses.
Beyond acting, Akindele has achieved major success as a filmmaker and producer, with notable works including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa, and Behind the Scenes.
Her contributions to the Nigerian film industry have earned her numerous recognitions, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009.
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Akindele has also emerged as one of Nigeria’s most commercially successful actresses and filmmakers, while using her platform to nurture talents and inspire a new generation of entertainers.
Her latest project, The Four: No One Fights Alone, is scheduled for global cinema release on Dec. 11 and features an ensemble cast including Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji and Waje.
