Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed the personal sacrifices she made while producing her blockbuster film, Behind The Scenes, which grossed ₦2.7 billion at the Nigerian box office.

Speaking in an interview with BellaNaija, Akindele said achieving such success required her to put work ahead of every other aspect of her life. She explained that she stayed away from social activities, neglected her appearance, and devoted nearly all her time and energy to the project.

According to the actress, she rarely had time for herself and only made her hair when attending important events such as movie premieres or red carpet appearances.

She said:

“I abandoned myself for work; I didn’t even make my hair, except when I am going on the red carpet or somewhere important. I don’t attend parties, I don’t go to greet people at home, I quit everything. I’m neck-deep in work; I sacrifice my time for it.”

Funke added that the demanding schedule came with sleepless nights, skipped meals, and complete dedication to ensuring the film became a success.

She said:

“It’s now that I am relaxed, feeling fresh, doing the skincare. It was a lot of sacrifice, sleepless nights, forgetting to eat, giving my all.”

The award-winning filmmaker also addressed criticism over her dance videos used to promote her movies, saying many people focus on the dancing without recognizing the hard work, planning, and commitment that go into making her productions successful.

Her latest comments are consistent with earlier remarks she made during Wema Bank’s International Women’s Day programme, where she disclosed that she stepped away from social events for nearly two years to concentrate on building her brand.

Funke has consistently credited her success to discipline, consistency, strategic planning, prayer, and continuous learning. Her achievements continue to earn praise from fans, who see her journey as proof that dedication and hard work can lead to extraordinary success in Nigeria’s film industry.

Nollywood actor Stan Nze has shared why he appreciates his wife, actress Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze, saying his admiration goes far beyond her physical appearance.

Speaking on The Morayo Show with Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Stan was asked what he enjoys most about being married to a curvy woman. Responding humorously, he said he has “so much to hold on to.”

He joked:

“I have plenty; there’s so much to hold on to. My plates and hands are always full.”

Stan, however, stressed that his love for his wife is not based on her body size alone. According to him, confidence, character, and the value a person brings into a relationship are far more important than physical appearance.

He added:

“The truth about it is more than the figure and shape; there’s so much content. I’m all about looking good and beautiful. What I have, however, done is to buy bubu in my household.”

During the interview, Blessing Obasi also encouraged plus-sized women not to let society’s beauty standards determine their self-worth. She advised women to focus on personal growth and becoming valuable individuals.

She said:

“It’s not about your size. Pay attention to building yourself. Be a woman of value, and the right man will see you. A man who truly loves you, even if he wants you to lose weight, will encourage you with love and care without making you feel pressured.”

Stan concluded by saying that the foundation of a successful relationship is helping one another grow. He noted that couples should continually support and encourage each other to become better people while building a stronger and healthier marriage.

Social commentator Geh Geh has urged Nigerian men to choose partners who can support them financially and emotionally instead of carrying the burden of building a future alone.

According to him, one of the biggest mistakes a man can make is struggling through difficult times with a woman who may eventually leave once he becomes successful.

Geh Geh argued that relationships should be based on teamwork, where both partners contribute resources, effort, and encouragement toward achieving their goals.

He also criticized what he described as the tendency of some women to later claim they “suffered together” with a man despite making little or no financial contribution during the early stages of the relationship.

Using an example, he said it is common to find a woman still living comfortably with her parents moving into the home of a man who has already worked hard to provide for himself, only to later claim she endured hardship with him.

Geh Geh maintained that men who are working hard to build their future should look for women who are also working and willing to contribute financially, saying such partnerships are more likely to create a better future for their families.

He said:

“Nigerian men, enough is enough. Let us stop suffering with Nigerian women. As a man, the worst mistake you can make is to suffer with a woman. If you suffer with a woman, the day she succeeds, she may leave you for another man.

“A hardworking man needs a woman who supports him with both money and prayers. A man who is working needs a woman who is also working so they can combine their resources and build a better future for themselves and their children.”