The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Thursday honoured actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham with a Box Office Champion Award.

The recognition follows her film, “Oversabi Aunty,” which surpassed the N1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office. The feat makes Abraham the first debut director to gross over N1 billion in cinemas.

The executive director of NFVCB, Shuaib Husseini, described the milestone as historic for Nollywood.

Husseini noted that the achievement reflects Nollywood’s resilience and global potential.

“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the industry’s growing strength,” he added.

He said the board remained committed to supporting a thriving film culture that entertains and contributes to the national economy.

Husseini commended Abraham for inspiring a new generation of filmmakers.

“You have entertained millions and encouraged others to dream bigger,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Sanusi Yakubu, praised Abraham’s impact.

Yakubu, represented by Don Pedro, described Abraham as a creative force shaping the industry’s economic direction.

“Her film’s performance is a signal that Nigerian stories are commanding global attention,” he added.

Yakubu noted a shift as actors evolve into investors and drivers of production.

Accepting the award, Abraham praised her husband for being a good man and father and expressed her gratitude to NFVCB for the recognition.

“I’m just that girl; my mum says she passed out, but this is me today. I promise you, December, I’ll give you something bigger and better,” the actress said.

Abraham revealed that she decided to direct the movie herself—writing the story and scripting the scenes—after feeling frustrated with being told what to do by others.

“I told my manager that I wanted to direct this movie by myself, alone. I went to my industry godmother, Mrs Bolanle Austin-Peters, and I told her that I wanted to shoot a movie,” she said.

The actress thanked her team and expressed excitement at seeing one of her dreams come to life.

The event was attended by industry stakeholders and the Ooni of Ife’s wife, Temitope Ogunwusi.

(NAN)