Nollywood star and filmmaker Funke Akindele has received unexpected commendation from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) over how she portrayed the issue of naira abuse in her movie Behind the Scenes.
The film, released in late 2025, has been widely discussed for blending entertainment with social messages, especially around financial responsibility and respect for Nigeria’s currency.
One particular scene that stood out shows officials disrupting a party to stop guests from spraying money — a practice that is considered illegal under Nigerian financial regulations.What surprised many is that the NOA, an agency known mostly for issuing warnings and cautions over naira misuse, publicly praised the filmmaker instead of criticizing her.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, the agency described Funke Akindele’s creative decision as “patriotic” and “educative,” saying it helped promote respect for the national currency in an engaging way.
According to the agency, the naira is not just money but a symbol of national identity, and public figures like Akindele have a strong influence in shaping how people behave.
It added that her film supports ongoing government efforts to discourage the spraying and mishandling of banknotes at social events.
The NOA also encouraged more filmmakers and entertainers to use their platforms to promote civic responsibility and national values, noting that storytelling remains a powerful tool for public awareness.
The praise is seen as unusual because the agency has historically focused on issuing warnings or sanctions in cases involving naira abuse rather than publicly celebrating such portrayals.In addition to this recognition, Funke Akindele has recently remained in the spotlight for her online interactions and film promotions, continuing to dominate conversations in Nigeria’s entertainment space.
