The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has described Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele’s blockbuster movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ as a reflection of the challenges facing the less-privileged Nigerians.
Obi made this assertion in a statement via his verified X handle on Saturday.
A Tribe Called Judah’ broke a box office record within three weeks of its release in cinemas to become the first Nollywood film to gross N1 billion.
Reacting to this development, Obi noted that the movie reflected “some of the complex challenges faced by many less-privileged families in Nigeria, in their struggles for survival.”
He stated, “It is heartwarming to learn that ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ a movie by Nigerian Movie Producer, @funkeakindele, has achieved a record-breaking earning of N1 billion, in just 3 weeks of its release,” adding that the feat was a “historic moment in our Nigerian movie industry.”
According to Obi, Nollywood has remained one of Nigeria’s “biggest exports” in the past 10 years – which is affirmed by the works of the talented actress and movie producer.
He said, “Nollywood remains one of the biggest exports of our country in the last decade and shows the inherent potential in our people which Akindele has copiously brought out in all her works.
“I congratulate Funke Akindele for achieving this feat which is a bold testament to her passion, hard work, and dedication in the movie industry,” he added.
Obi commended Akindele for having two of her previous movies – ‘Battle on Buka Street’ and ’ Omo Ghetto,’ sitting as the “second and third highest-grossing films at the Nigerian box office respectively.”
“It skillfully tells a story that appeals to its audience in a comic and entertaining delivery.”
The LP presidential candidate urged Nollywood to “continue to tell stories that will inspire hard work, integrity, and productivity among Nigerians.
“This, I believe, will play a significant role in positioning our minds for the productivity-driven nation we are trying to build – The New Nigeria!,” he said.
Recall that the movie, which hit cinemas on December 15, 2023, has continued to break records, becoming the first to gross over N133 million in its opening weekend.
The record has surpassed Akindele’s previous films ‘Battle on Buka Street’ (N668.4m), and ’ Omo Ghetto’ (N636.1m) which currently sit as the second and third highest-grossing films at the Nigerian box office respectively.
The film was eventually premiered amidst fanfare at the Filmhouse Cinema IMAX, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, aka Captain Degzy, the film tells the story of a family of boys, who decide to rob a mall to raise money for their mother’s hospital bill. However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers.
The star-studded movie featured seasoned actors and actresses including Nse Ikpe Etim, Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Genoveva Umeh, and Nosa Rex, amongst others.
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