How I Made My First N1 million In 1999

Funke Akindele Reveals How She Earned Her First N1 Million in 1999 and the Role That Changed Her Life

From Aspiring Actress to Nollywood Icon

Veteran Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and producer Funke Akindele has opened up about how she made her first N1 million in 1999, a major milestone that marked the start of her rise to stardom in Nollywood.

In a recently shared video, Akindele revealed that her big break came through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored TV series I Need to Know. She played Bisi, a bright, curious teenager exploring themes of adolescence, health, and social values.

The educational drama, which aired from 1998 to 2002, was a nationwide success and helped cement Akindele’s place as one of Nollywood’s promising young talents.

The Role That Almost Slipped Away

Despite her strong audition, Akindele nearly lost her role after the pilot episode because the producers felt she didn’t sound youthful enough.

“I acted so well, but they said I wasn’t speaking like a teenager,” she recalled. “They asked me to go home, study the script again, and come back for another pilot.”

Determined not to lose the part, she practiced with her younger sister to adjust her tone and delivery. “That was how I perfected the role,” she said. “I was later called back, and that performance changed everything for me. It was through that project that I made my first N1 million.”

The Value of N1 Million in 1999

Back in 1999, N1 million was a huge sum in Nigeria. The naira averaged N99.26 per U.S. dollar, meaning Akindele’s earnings were worth around $10,000 — a significant figure for a 21-year-old actress.

She fondly remembered showing the cheque to her mother, who advised her to pay her tithe and save. “After that, I changed my wardrobe because I barely had shoes or clothes. The girl who once had nothing suddenly had options,” she said with laughter.

This early success, Akindele added, taught her financial discipline and self-improvement — principles that have shaped her career over the decades.

Funke Akindele’s Journey to Becoming Nigeria’s Box Office Queen

From I Need to Know, Funke Akindele evolved into one of Nigeria’s most successful filmmakers and producers. Through her company, Scene One Productions, she has consistently delivered record-breaking hits that dominate the Nigerian box office.

Her top-performing movies include:

A Tribe Called Judah (₦1.5 billion)
Battle on Buka Street (₦668 million)
Omo Ghetto: The Saga (₦636 million)
Everybody Loves Jenifa (₦1.8 billion)

Together, these films have earned over ₦4 billion, making her Nigeria’s highest-grossing female filmmaker. Remarkably, three of her movies are ranked among the top 10 biggest opening weekends in Nigerian cinema history.

A Legacy of Excellence

Funke Akindele’s journey from a young actress earning her first million to a powerhouse filmmaker is a story of determination, talent, and growth. Her consistency, creativity, and business acumen have not only made her a household name but also a symbol of what is possible in Nollywood.