Over Sabi Auntie hits ₦1bn, earning Toyin Abraham NFVCB’s Box Office Champion Award

In an industry long driven by bold personalities and even bolder ambitions, a new milestone has been etched into Nollywood’s evolving story, one that signals both creative independence and commercial strength.

On Thursday, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) formally recognised actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham with its Box Office Champion Award, celebrating the remarkable success of her film Over Sabi Auntie. The project has crossed the ₦1 billion mark in Nigerian cinemas, a feat that not only underscores its popularity but also places Abraham in a historic position as the first debut director to achieve such a benchmark.

For the NFVCB, the moment represented more than a personal win as its Executive Director, Shuaib Husseini, framed the achievement as a defining chapter for Nollywood itself, evidence of an industry gaining both confidence and economic weight. Addressing guests at the event, he noted that Abraham’s accomplishment reflects a broader momentum within Nigerian filmmaking, one capable of entertaining millions while inspiring others to think bigger about what is possible.

That sentiment was echoed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria speaking through Don Pedro, who represented its President, Sanusi Yakubu. The guild described the occasion as a turning point rather than a routine award presentation. Abraham, he said, has emerged as a creative force whose work is helping to shape not just narratives, but the financial trajectory of the industry and the performance of Over Sabi Auntie, he added, sends a clear message: Nigerian stories are not only resonating locally, they are commanding attention on a wider stage.

For Toyin Abraham, however, the journey to this moment was deeply personal. Taking the stage, she reflected on the decision that set everything in motion, choosing to step behind the camera herself. Frustrated with constantly working under others’ direction, she resolved to take full creative control. She recalled telling her manager of her intention to direct the film independently before seeking guidance from her industry mentor, Mrs Bolanle Austin-Peters, to bring the vision to life.

Her gratitude on the night was equally personal as she acknowledged the support of her husband, thanked the NFVCB for the honour, and paid tribute to the team that helped transform an idea into a box office triumph. For her, the success of Over Sabi Auntie is not just a statistic but a realisation of a long-held dream.

The event drew a cross-section of Nollywood stakeholders, including Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, further underscoring the cultural significance of the occasion.

Beyond the applause and accolades, Abraham’s milestone speaks to something larger: a Nollywood that is increasingly self-assured, commercially viable, and driven by creators willing to take risks on their own terms.