Nollywood titan and box-office queen Funke Akindele has called on women to embrace radical self-care, admitting that she had to learn the hard way to put herself first.
The actress and producer, whose influence spans from blockbuster cinema to political advocacy, shared these reflections as part of a broader conversation on mental health and burnout in the high-pressure entertainment industry.
The “Prioritization” Shift
Funke Akindele’s advice emphasizes that self-care is a necessity for survival, not just a luxury:
- The Learning Curve: She revealed that throughout her career, she often put the needs of her productions, fans, and family above her own wellbeing. “I have learned to prioritise myself,” she stated, noting that you cannot pour from an empty cup.
- Simple Rituals: According to the “Jenifa” star, self-care doesn’t always have to be grand gestures. She highlighted that simple acts like sleeping, resting, praying, or taking a walk are vital tools for maintaining balance.
- The “No” Factor: Part of her self-prioritization journey has involved setting boundaries and learning to say “no” to toxic people and draining commitments.
The “Creative Blueprint” Legacy
Akindele’s message comes on the heels of her Creative Blueprint 2.0 initiative, where she has been mentoring the next generation of creative leaders:
- Advocacy for Self: She encouraged women to be their own biggest advocates. In recent sessions, she noted that while she can be “tough and troublesome” when it comes to work standards, she has learned that managing people effectively starts with managing one’s own mental health.
- Empowerment Committee: Her voice has carried extra weight this week following her appointment to the entertainment committee for the National Women Mega Empowerment Rally, which held its major Abuja event on May 5, 2026.
