Funke Akindele, one of Nigeria’s most revered filmmakers and actresses, peeled back the curtain on an incredible untold story about Sade Balogun, the CEO of Amen Estate, who she says shaped her into the unstoppable force dominating the industry today.
The relentless force behind Nollywood’s pioneering path and shattering of ceilings, Funke Akindele, didn’t hold back as she revealed the strong women that drove her ascent to prominence.
Funke revealed a shocking revelation during a star-studded event including some of the biggest stars in entertainment, with the captivating Ebuka ruling the stage. She revealed that Sade Balogun was the secret to her success.
In an emotional and candid reveal, Funke didn’t shy away from sharing how this powerhouse woman was instrumental in her rise to stardom.
The scene was set at the high-profile launch of the #HerMoneyHerPower campaign, hosted by the dynamic Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. The event was nothing short of star-studded, gathering some of the biggest female industry players under one roof to ignite a national conversation about women’s financial independence and empowerment in Nigeria.
Among the A-list attendees were top celebrities like Funke Akindele and Rahama Ibrahim Sadau, all converging to push forward a movement aimed at shifting the narrative around women’s economic power through the influential medium of media and entertainment.
During the event, Funke Akindele, who has built an empire in Nollywood, took a moment to honor the extraordinary women who played pivotal roles in her career.
She spoke passionately about her late mother, but what caught everyone’s attention was when she revealed how Sade Balogun, the billionaire CEO of Amen Estate, had been her rock from the very beginning.
Funke described Sade as her unshakable pillar of support, a woman who saw potential in her even when she was just starting her journey.
The actress recounted her first encounter with the billionaire mogul, sharing her struggles with accommodation.
According to her, Sade took an immediate interest in her, appointed her as an ambassador for her company, a role that came with incredible perks, including a lavish N150 million mansion complete with a swimming pool—totally free.
Funke revealed that Sade was also there when she needed financial support to launch her blockbuster film, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, how she stepped in with huge finance without demanding a single naira in return.
The Box office queen added that Sade went out of her way to upgrade her lifestyle, gifted her a brand-new luxury car that was the envy of everyone at the time.