Funke Akindele’s Vision for Empowerment Through Intentional Growth
Actress, filmmaker, and director of two of the highest-grossing films, Funke Akindele, has emphasized that growth is not a matter of chance but rather a result of deliberate effort and intentionality. Her insights were shared during the second edition of her initiative, The Creative Blueprint Masterclass with Funke Akindele, which seeks to provide women in the creative industry with the tools and guidance necessary to thrive across various sectors such as film, music, and fashion.
Akindele reflected on her early days in the entertainment industry, where she faced significant challenges due to the lack of access to resources and mentorship. She described the path she had to navigate as one filled with uncertainties. This experience inspired the creation of The Creative Blueprint, a program that encapsulates her journey and aims to offer the support and clarity she wished she had when starting out.
The event was themed ‘Giving Today, Gaining Tomorrow,’ highlighting the idea that investing in oneself today—through time, focus, or a willingness to learn—shapes one’s future. Akindele encouraged attendees to engage actively, asking questions and taking away meaningful lessons that could be applied to their own journeys.
Key Sessions and Insights from the Event
Several sessions and panel discussions took place during the event, each offering valuable insights. One notable session was “The Power of Mentorship,” led by Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, President of Woodhall Capital. She emphasized that mentorship is not just about guidance but also about preparation and positioning. According to Hunponu-Wusu, a mentor helps prepare individuals for the challenges they may face, seeing beyond their current situation and speaking into their potential future.
Another impactful discussion was the “Women Creating Opportunities in Film” panel, featuring actresses and filmmakers such as Osas Ighodaro, Ruth Kadiri, Jade Osiberu, and Ladun Awobokun. Jade Osiberu shared her personal experience of mentorship, recalling how veteran actress Joke Silva supported her when her loan proposal was rejected. She advised the attendees to start from where they are, whether in their church, neighborhood, or on social media, to showcase their talents and seek mentors who can help them grow.
Financial investment expert Jennifer Awirigwe addressed the importance of financial freedom through the capital market. She highlighted that only 2.9% of women in Nigeria participate in the capital market, despite the opportunities it offers. Awirigwe encouraged the participants to invest in the stock market, noting that there are platforms available to assist them, even if they have limited time.
Expanding the Program for Greater Impact
This year’s edition of The Creative Blueprint Masterclass saw an expansion of its content, supported by partners such as Wema Bank, Woodhall Capital, Red Brick PR, and Dano Milk. Akindele expressed her desire to give back, stating that she did not have access to the resources and role models she wishes she had. She believes that as one succeeds, it becomes essential to pass on knowledge to the younger generation.
Akindele concluded by emphasizing her commitment to creating a platform where the voices of the younger generation can be heard. She hopes that the lessons shared during the event will empower the attendees to apply them to their respective areas of the creative industry, just as those from the previous edition have done.
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