Winner of the recently concluded Big Brother Naija Season 10, Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has opened up about her biggest inspiration in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The reality star expressed deep admiration for the award-winning actress, producer, and filmmaker Funke Akindele, describing her as her “number one mentor” and a significant influence in her journey. During her post-show media rounds, Imisi shared that collaborating with Funke Akindele has been one of her biggest dreams since she began pursuing her career in the entertainment world. She stated that Funke’s resilience, creativity, and ability to consistently deliver powerful stories in Nollywood have motivated her to push beyond limits. According to the BBNaija winner, Funke Akindele’s work ethic and versatility are qualities she hopes to emulate in her future projects. Imisi highlighted that watching Funke transition from an actress in the popular sitcom Jenifa’s Diary to a record-breaking movie producer with projects like Battle on Buka Street and A Tribe Called Judah has been incredibly inspiring. She said, “Funke Akindele is my number one mentor. I’ve learned a lot from her journey, her growth, and the way she keeps breaking barriers in Nollywood. Working with her someday will be a dream come true for me.” Imisi further expressed her commitment to following in Funke’s footsteps by venturing into acting and movie production soon. She added that her goal is not just to become famous but to create impact-driven projects that tell meaningful stories, just like her role model. Since emerging as the Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi has been making waves with media appearances and endorsement opportunities. Her openness about her admiration for Funke Akindele has earned her praise from fans who commend her humility and vision. Funke Akindele, on the other hand, remains one of Nollywood’s most influential figures, with multiple accolades and record-breaking achievements in the Nigerian box office. Her latest production, A Tribe Called Judah, became the highest-grossing Nigerian movie in history, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in African cinema. As fans eagerly anticipate possible collaborations between the two, Imisi’s revelation sheds light on how Funke Akindele continues to shape the next generation of creatives in the entertainment industry.
