Fans, colleagues and well-wishers of veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa on Monday celebrated her as she marks her 49th birthday.
The ace actress took to her verified Instagram page, @funkejenifaakindele to celebrate the milestone, expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, guidance and protection throughout her journey.
She wrote: “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.”
“Through every season, lesson, win, mistake and challenge, God has remained my strength and shield. Even in moments when I have fallen short, he has given me the grace to rise, learn, keep going and become better.
“Today, my prayer is simple; that God blesses me with good health, long life, peace and the grace to keep walking in purpose.
“I pray that my life continues to mean something beyond me. That I can touch more lives, open more doors, nurture more talents, raise more stars and give others the opportunity to become everything God has called them to be.
“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 keep going.
“Thank You, Lord. Happy birthday to me,” she wrote.
The birthday post has since attracted goodwill messages and prayers from fans, friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
@kie_kie_ wrote: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEEN FA!”
@omotea12 said: “The one with the sweetest heart and brainbox. Happy birthday to someone I cherish so deeply. May life continue to be good to you Lafunky.”
@diiadem wrote: “Happy birthday aunty Funke.”
@mydeglover wrote: “Happy birthday my Queen! May your light never dim and may you shine even the brightest this new year. Happy birthday Theeee F.A!”
@alhajabolasere said: “Happy birthday sis. Long life and prosperity in good health Insha Allah.”
@omolaraokafor said: “Happy birthday beautiful.”
@hildabaci said: “Happy birthday birthday Anty Funke.”
@ladyariyike wrote: “Happy Birthday to my dearest Sister, my one and only Funki Stevenson! The Lord will continue to bless and watch over you.
”By the grace of God, Happiness, Peace, Joy, Long life in good health and more Success are yours. Keep shinning your light and keep inspiring us all. Sending you lots of love!”
@funkya1803 said: “Happy birthday to my dearest daughter igba odun laye, ojo kan ni loruko Eje Jesu Amin. Wa dagba, wa dogbo loruko Jesu Kristi Amin.”
Funke Akindele, born on August 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 popular television series “I Need to Know”, before gaining widespread recognition for her portrayal of the iconic character, Jenifa, in the 2008 film “Jenifa”.
Her success with Jenifa 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 comedic actresses.
Beyond acting, Akindele has recorded major successes as a filmmaker and producer, with notable projects 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.
Akindele has also made history at the Nigerian box office, emerging as one of the country’s most commercially successful filmmakers and actresses.
Over the years, she has remained a prominent figure in Nollywood, combining acting, filmmaking and talent development while inspiring a new generation of entertainers.
Her latest project, The Four: No One Fights Alone, is scheduled for global cinema release on December 11, with Akindele leading an ensemble cast that includes Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji and Waje.
