Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has revealed that her closest friends are her siblings and children, with only a few close connections outside her family.

The actress gave insight into her approach to maintaining friendships within the entertainment industry.

The screen diva explained that her work schedule and preference for quality family time shaped her social dynamics within the entertainment industry.

“I think my siblings are my friends. They are my friends. I have acquaintances, people that I’m cordial with, but not serious friendships like that. Because I’m always busy working. And when I’m not working, I’m sleeping, chilling with the kids, watching a movie, chilling with the family.
“I like being in my space. I don’t really like going to parties, I’m not a party animal. I don’t like it at all. I run a studio, we film every year – we have content on YouTube, movies at cinemas, and on streaming platforms. I’m very busy. So I just get busy with work and my children, because I need to give them time. So when I’m not working, I’m with my children. I’m in my space.”
Funke Akindele

Akindele further maintained that she has cordial relationships with her colleagues, including actress Eniola Badmus.

She noted that while they have grown apart due to their busy schedules, she still values their relationship.

“Eniola Badmus makes me laugh. She cracks me up so much. I love to chill with her. But, we’ve been so busy with life. Everybody is doing their thing. But I’m still cordial with her, and everybody.”
Funke Akindele

The actress also noted her strong relationships with her team and crew members.

“In the industry, I have cordial relationships with people. I love working with some particular people. I work with all my colleagues, but some are so dear to my heart. I have a team, my crew members. And for my colleagues, I have cordial relationships with everybody.”
Funke Akindele

Actress Advises Women

Renowned actress and producer, Funke Akindele encouraged women to take charge of their financial lives by starting small businesses and managing their resources effectively

She emphasized that women don’t need to rely on men for success and urged them to believe in themselves and their abilities.

“Whatever you have, just start something. Move. Don’t wait for the big opportunity. Even if it’s petty business, just start something. As a young girl out there, who says women can’t make money? Who says women can’t have money when we have the Folorunsho Alakijas?
“They are made, they are okay. The other day, I was telling myself that I have to work harder to be as rich as the Alakijas. Who says you can’t have money? You don’t have to rely on a man to make it.”
Funke Akindele

Funke advised women to stay focused and manage the little they have.

She further noted that women should not look at what their neighbors have and be in a rush to have them too, maintaining that when the time comes for them [women] to have luxurious things, they’ll have them.

“I used to buy my handbags from ‘bend down select.’ I would wash and iron them and slay with them. Even with the cheap bags, I still felt good. Just believe in yourself. And watch what you feed yourself with. Content that would drive you crazy, people that would say things that would upset you, toxic people, avoid them.
“Because you’re growing in a new space. It’s what you feed yourself with that matters. It matters because if you feed yourself with negativity, at the end of the day you would believe you can’t do it. After all, you’re not pretty enough.”
Funke Akindele