NFVCB honours Toyin Abraham as ‘Oversabi Aunty’ hits ₦1bn

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has honoured actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham with a Box Office Champion Award following the commercial success of her film, Oversabi Aunty.

The recognition comes after the film surpassed the ₦1 billion mark in cinemas, making Abraham the first debut director in Nollywood to achieve the milestone.

The executive director of the board, Shuaib Husseini, described the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s film industry.

According to him, the film’s performance reflects the resilience and growing global potential of Nollywood.

“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the industry’s growing strength,” he said, adding that the board remains committed to supporting a thriving film culture that contributes to the national economy.

Industry leaders highlight shifting role of filmmakers

Also speaking, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Sanusi Yakubu, praised Abraham’s impact on the industry.

Represented by Don Pedro, Yakubu noted that the film’s success signals a shift in Nollywood, where actors are increasingly becoming investors and drivers of production.

He added that the strong box office performance highlights the growing global appeal of Nigerian storytelling.

Toyin Abraham Claims Prophetic Role, Says Her Movies Heal Audiences

Abraham reflects on the journey into directing

Responding to the recognition, Abraham expressed gratitude to the NFVCB and her team, describing the moment as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

She revealed that she chose to direct the film herself after growing frustrated with creative limitations, taking on the roles of both storyteller and director.

“I told my manager that I wanted to direct this movie by myself,” she said, adding that she sought guidance from her mentor, Bolanle Austen-Peters, before embarking on the project.

Abraham also hinted at plans for a bigger project later in the year, promising audiences an even more ambitious production.

The milestone reinforces Nollywood’s expanding commercial viability, particularly as locally produced films continue to achieve record-breaking performances in cinemas.

With Oversabi Aunty crossing the ₦1 billion threshold, the achievement underscores a broader shift towards high-budget productions, stronger audience engagement, and increasing investor confidence in Nigeria’s film industry.