The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has presented an award to filmmaker Toyin Abraham in recognition of her movie Oversabi Aunty reaching N1 billion at the Nigerian box office.
The award celebrates her “outstanding box office performance” as a first-time director. The ceremony led by the executive director of the board, Shaibu Husseini, took place at the board’s South West Zonal Office in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday.
Guests at the ceremony included Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, national president of the Association of Movie Producers Nigeria, Blessing Ebigieson, head of operations at Viva Cinemas, Patrick Lee and vice president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Grace Edwin-Okon.
In his opening remarks, Dr Husseini highlighted Toyin’s achievement as an actress, producer and debut director. He said, “Today we gather to honor an exceptional talent. An actress, producer and a debut director. So it’s not a joke that we have the president of actors guild. So we are here to celebrate Toyin Abraham whose film Oversabi Aunty has achieved the extraordinary milestone of crossing over N1 billion at the Nigerian box office.
“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph for her, but it is a testament to great strength, resilience, and the global potential of Nollywood. At the National Film and Video Censors Board, we take pride in supporting a thriving film culture that entertains, informs, and contributes meaningfully to our national economy. This recognition is part of our commitment to celebrating those who continue to raise the bar in storytelling and production. Today, we are also presenting her with an award for outstanding box office performance as a first-time director. Please you must give Toyin Abraham a round of applause.”
Dr Husseini also shared his personal experience watching the film. He said, “In fact, for the first time since I started going to cinemas, I started going to cinemas even before I became ED. I was sitting down at the cinemas in Surulere and after they finished Oversabi Aunty, these people clapped. I used to think that only classical music would do that, but people clapped. And even while people were clapping, some were shedding tears.
“I wish to use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to her royal majesty Olori Temitope Ogunwusi for graciously accepting to serve as the royal mother of the day. I also want to express gratitude to the president of the various guilds within the industry, those who are around and those absent.
“And to Toyin Abraham, we celebrate your vision, your hard work. You work very hard. The only place she has not done skit is on my back. Your unwavering dedication to your craft cannot be compared. Congratulations to you.”
Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, who served as the “royal mother of the day,” also addressed the audience. She recounted her personal experience watching the film and how it impacted her perspective on family life. She said, “It was almost impossible for me to be here today. For the last two weeks, it’s been a roller coaster. From the UK, touched down a few days after that to the US, and just six days, like three different states, it was a lot for me. So when I came back just three days ago, before I touched down, I got my son’s message. I was actually on the plane. So I just thought, like — when I got back home, I took my time. Well, you know what? He sent me a message. So I took my time to open the message. And I saw, oh, it’s that climax time to actually give honor to whom honor is due, Toyin Abraham.
“Because of my personal experience watching the movie, a few times when I’m pretty exhausted, I take my time. I go out, maybe lodge in a hotel, watch a movie. So one night, one of this evening, I was at my family’s arena, we have a cinema. I was with one of my daughters. And I was like, okay, ‘what are we watching?’ And they said ‘OverSabi Aunty.’ That’s fine. And from the beginning of the movie — unlike me, I can watch a movie 10 times — this movie, from the beginning until the very end, I couldn’t stop. In fact, my daughter sat next to me, Olori Toyin. She was already in tears. But I was trying to be a strong woman. I wasn’t crying.”
Olori Ogunwusi described the movie as more than entertainment, calling it “a legacy” and a guide for family life. She said, “Beyond celebrating this great icon for gross achievements, it’s way beyond the money. The movie isn’t just entertainment. That movie is a legacy. It is the most watched film every parent — in fact, it just gave me that time to reflect. And to ask myself several questions. I cannot be too busy for my own people. Especially my immediate family. And that evening I picked up my phone and started calling my children in Russia, my children in Germany, my children in the UK, my children in the US. And I started telling them, you know, ‘I’m not too busy for you.’
“Your movie changed the narrative. It’s just beyond the figures. When we watch movies that will change our lives, especially people like us in our own world, we just see ourselves sometimes abstract. We get carried away with a lot of responsibilities that we cannot avoid. But you have taught me personally to take cognizance of the fact irrespective of how busy I can be. I must be intentional about my loved ones.
“For those who haven’t seen Oversabi Aunty, you need to see it. It is a must watch for all parents, especially religious people. You can’t watch it and remain the same. It’s a wake-up call.”
Toyin Abraham appreciated the board for honoring her, while also thanking her “small god”, Kolawole Ajeyemi.
“I have to thank my small god, Mr Kola Ajeyemi, thank you for allowing me shine, thank you for being a good man, thank you for being a father, the best husband, thank you for allowing me be me,” she said.
She also thanked the olori, Husseini and her manager, Samuel Olatunji.
Oversabi Aunty was released in December 2025. Written, produced and directed by Toyin Abraham, the film stars her alongside Mike Ezuruonye, Efe Irele, Toyin Afolayan, Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Toyin Abraham herself. The comedy-drama follows an overzealous church usher whose attempts to help those around her lead to a series of humorous and socially reflective events.
The movie ranks among the top four highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time and has drawn strong audience support for its relatable themes and storytelling.
The recognition of Toyin Abraham by NFVCB comes shortly after the board recently honoured Funke Akindele with multiple awards, acknowledging her continued box office successes and significant contributions to Nigerian cinema, including films such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Everybody Loves Jenifa and Behind The Scenes.
