Funke Akindele
- Name: Funke Akindele
- Birthdate: August 24, 1977
- Birthplace: Lagos State, Nigeria
- Occupation: Actress, Filmmaker
Funke Akindele, born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a renowned Nigerian actress, filmmaker, producer, and politician.
She gained prominence with her role in the UNFPA-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know (1998–2002) and achieved widespread fame with the 2008 film Jenifa, which led to a successful franchise including sequels and the TV series Jenifa's Diary.
Career Highlights
Akindele has directed and produced several box office hits, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), Battle on Buka Street (2022), and A Tribe Called Judah (2023).
In 2024, she released Everybody Loves Jenifa, which became the highest-grossing Nollywood film at the time, grossing over N1 billion within 19 days of release.
Political and Humanitarian Endeavours
In 2023, Akindele was nominated as the deputy governorship candidate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State.
Although the ticket was unsuccessful, she continued her public service by establishing the Jenifa Foundation, focusing on empowering youth through vocational training.
In December 2024, she was appointed as Nigeria’s National Goodwill Ambassador for HIV prevention by UNAIDS.
Personal Life
Akindele is a mother to twin boys, born in 2018. She has been open about her personal experiences, including her past marriages, emphasising resilience and personal growth.
