Funke Akindele Celebrates Patience Ozokwo on Her Birthday, Calls Her a “True Legend”

Nollywood star Funke Akindele has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran actress Patience Ozokwo as the screen legend marked her birthday.

Taking to Instagram, Funke described Mama G—as Ozokwo is fondly called—as a “blessing to the industry”, recalling her unwavering support during the filming of Everybody Loves Jenifa.

“Happy Birthday Mummy @patienceozokwo,” she wrote. “Thank you for your motherly support throughout Everybody Loves Jenifa, for your wisdom, discipline, and the many lives you’ve touched through your craft and your heart.

You are a true legend and a blessing to our industry. May God continue to bless you with good health, joy, and long life in Jesus name, Amen.”

Opinion: Honoring the Pillars of Nollywood

Funke’s tribute isn’t just birthday cheer—it’s a reminder of how much Patience Ozokwo has given to Nigerian cinema.

For decades, Ozokwo has embodied roles that mirror the realities of African households—be it as the stern mother, the scheming mother-in-law, or the matriarch who fiercely guards family traditions. Yet, beyond the screen, her reputation for discipline, mentorship, and warmth shows she is more than the characters she plays.

In a world where the film industry often overlooks its veterans while chasing trends, it is refreshing to see a younger generation of stars like Funke Akindele publicly acknowledge and honor the giants who paved the way.

Ozokwo’s legacy is proof that acting is not just entertainment—it is influence, culture, and education woven into stories. If Nollywood is a tree, Mama G is one of its strongest roots, and her relevance across generations shows the true mark of greatness.

Celebrating her today isn’t just about one woman’s birthday—it’s about celebrating the enduring power of storytelling and the shoulders on which Nollywood stands.