Debbie Shokoya Overjoyed as Funke Akindele Promotes Her Movie for Free

Nollywood actress Debbie Shokoya is in high spirits after receiving a heartwarming show of support from award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, who promoted her latest movie on Instagram — without charging a dime.

Debbie, moved by the gesture, took to her Instagram page to share the story and call on fans to shower Akindele with prayers. According to her, it all started when she felt a strong nudge to send Funke a direct message. Summoning courage, she reached out to request help in publicising her film — and to her surprise, Funke responded immediately and graciously agreed.

In an emotional post, Debbie wrote:

"Help me drop prayers for this amazing woman! Ma’am, you will never be found wanting! … You poured comforting water on my soul and it means so much to me and my brand. This is actually the least you have done towards me, but I promise not to cast it. God bless you ma!!! Keep motivating and inspiring.”

In response, Funke Akindele encouraged Debbie to keep her head up and never give up on her creative journey. “My darling, God will always make a way. All the best and keep your head high. Keep creating. Na person wey give up F up o!” she said.

Opinion:
This simple act by Funke Akindele is more than just celebrity goodwill — it’s a reminder that in an industry often clouded by competition and self-promotion, kindness and mentorship still matter. Funke didn’t just give Debbie visibility; she gave her validation, which in the creative world can be just as valuable as money.

For younger or rising talents, moments like this can fuel the drive to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked. And for established stars, it’s a lesson in how generosity can ripple far beyond a single post — inspiring others, strengthening bonds in the industry, and keeping the spirit of community alive.