Nollywood actor Jide Awobona has expressed heartfelt gratitude to his senior colleague, Funke Akindele, for her pivotal role in shaping his career.
Funke recently hosted a dinner party for the cast and crew of Everybody Loves Jenifa ahead of the film’s theatrical release later this month. During the gathering, Jide delivered an emotional speech, acknowledging Funke’s unwavering support and mentorship.
He noted how his appearance on her hit Television series, Jenifa Diaries, paved the way for his career. He revealed that when he traveled to South Africa, he was surprised that people knew him because of his role in Jenifa Diaries.
He noted how Funke didn’t need to bring back the cast of Jenifa Diaries for Everybody Loves Jenifa, but she did, and this has melted his heart. Gushing over Funke, Jide described her as a wonderful and phenomenal woman as he noted how God has blessed her and she has done a lot for people.
“I did Jenifa Diaries for 7 or 8 years. When I traveled to South Africa for the first time, I was shocked that people knew me. I thought I would be free to walk around, but they knew me from Jenifa Diaries, which was known all over the world. That did a lot to my career.
If she had shot Everybody Loves Jenifa without the crew of Jenifa Diaries, it would still sell, and she would still tell her story without us, but she still involved us. I want to say a big thank you to her for putting me on this project.
You are wonderful and phenomenal, and God has blessed you. You don’t need anybody to achieve anything at this point. You have done a lot for people and I am trying not to get emotional. Thank you so much ma”.
Funke Akindele, taking to his comment section, appreciated him for the speech. She wrote, “My darling”.
One Emeka Okoye wrote, “Well said bro. She is a phenomenal
One I Am Nnetalks wrote, “Thank you, Uncle Jide, for saying all these now. We get to know her even more. God bless y’all
One Debbie Alaks wrote, “Thank you for appreciating her
One Grateful1570 wrote, “This is a good speech. He said it all. She can decide to use other people but she chose this cast. It’s a privilege indeed. Cheers guys
One Ayosojumi Adeniyi wrote, “This is so emotional to watch”.