When it comes to Nollywood, popularity is not just about acting talent. It is measured by a mix of box office dominance, social media reach, global recognition, and industry awards. In recent years, one name continues to stand out above the rest — Funke Akindele.

Funke Akindele; Nollywood’s Leading Star

Funke Akindele has built an empire that stretches beyond acting. Her comedy series Jenifa’s Diary turned her into a household name, while her movies continue to set records. In 2023, her film Battle on Buka Street grossed over ₦1 billion in just 19 days, cementing her as Nigeria’s box office queen.

She also holds the record for the highest number of wins at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), particularly in the Best Actress (Comedy) category. In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter named her among the “40 Most Powerful Women in International Film.” On social media, her influence is unmatched, with over 16 million Instagram followers, she is the most followed Nollywood actress.

Other Contenders for the Crown

• Genevieve Nnaji: A pioneer and global face of Nollywood. Her directorial debut Lionheart was the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix and even made it to the Oscars submission list. Her legacy and international recognition make her a strong contender for the title.
• Omotola Jalade Ekeinde: Popularly known as Omosexy, Omotola has long been a cultural icon. She was listed in TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and continues to enjoy a devoted fanbase in and outside Nigeria.
• Mercy Johnson-Okojie: Beloved for her versatility, Mercy Johnson commands massive followership, particularly among family and lifestyle audiences. Her relatable personality has made her one of the most bankable actresses in Nollywood.
• Regina Daniels: From child star to lifestyle influencer, Regina Daniels has built a strong presence among younger audiences. With millions of followers and several endorsements, she remains one of the industry’s fastest-rising figures.

Nollywood is blessed with many talented women who have shaped its growth. But based on box office records, awards, and digital reach, Funke Akindele currently stands as themost popular Nollywood actress. Her blend of talent, business acumen, and audience connection has put her ahead of the pack, making her the face of modern Nollywood.

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) struggles to position itself as a strong opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a prominent chieftain of the party, Chief Conrad Terhide Utaan, has called for the return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to play a unifying role.

Utaan, a national chairmanship aspirant from Benue State and ally of the G-5 governors, said during an interview that the PDP has reached a critical point where genuine reconciliation is needed to reunite its factions.

“We need an influential leader with the stature of Goodluck Jonathan to achieve this,” Utaan stated. “Our party requires healing, and Jonathan’s leadership offers the stability and credibility to rebuild trust, both internally and with Nigerians.”

Reflecting on the 2015 elections, Utaan noted that Jonathan was heavily criticised at the time, paving the way for APC’s victory. However, he argued that the current political climate has highlighted the need for Jonathan’s leadership style to strengthen democratic institutions.

“Jonathan’s potential candidacy in 2027 is not just about him or the PDP; it’s about creating a stronger system for future generations,” he added.

Addressing reports of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s alleged defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and speculations about Peter Obi’s possible return to the PDP, Utaan said reconciliation and inclusiveness must remain the party’s priority.

He also urged the PDP to carefully manage its internal disputes, including tensions involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the party prepares for its November 2025 convention.

According to Utaan, the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections will depend largely on its ability to regain public trust by addressing the pressing issues facing Nigerians. Failure to do so, he warned, would leave the opposition weakened against the APC.

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Across Nigeria, the intersection of faith and wealth often sparks debate, especially when it comes to pastors who have turned their ministries into global institutions. Among them, one man stands out for building a spiritual empire that stretches far beyond the pulpit, into education, publishing, real estate, and even aviation. His story is not just about religion, but about vision, influence, and extraordinary success. Today, he is widely recognized as the richest pastor in Nigeria.

Early Life and Calling

David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. Raised in a mixed-faith household, his father a Muslim healer and his mother a devout Christian, he embraced Christianity early and later trained as an architect. His spiritual journey deepened in the late 1970s when he experienced what he described as a divine call to liberate people from oppression through the preaching of faith.

Founding of Winners’ Chapel

In 1981, Oyedepo founded Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly called Winners’ Chapel. The church started in Kaduna but later moved to Lagos, expanding into a global ministry with branches in more than 65 countries. Its headquarters, Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, is recognized as one of the largest church auditoriums in the world, seating over 50,000 worshippers.

Sources of Wealth

Bishop Oyedepo’s fortune is not solely tied to tithes and offerings. Over the years, he built a vast portfolio of businesses tied to his ministry:

• Educational Institutions: Covenant University and Landmark University are among Nigeria’s top private universities, with thousands of students enrolled each year.
• Publishing: Through Dominion Publishing House, he has authored dozens of bestselling Christian books, with millions of copies in circulation.
• Real Estate: Oyedepo has invested heavily in real estate developments across Nigeria and abroad, including ministry-owned housing, conference centers, and schools.
• Aviation: He owns at least four private jets, used for international ministry engagements and personal travel.
• Media: Winners’ Chapel runs television and radio broadcasts reaching audiences across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Net Worth Estimates

According to Forbes and other wealth-tracking platforms, Bishop Oyedepo’s net worth is estimated between $150 million and $200 million as of 2024–2025, placing him at the top of Nigeria’s—and Africa’s—richest pastors.

Influence and Legacy

Beyond wealth, Oyedepo has shaped Nigeria’s religious and educational landscape. His universities consistently rank among Nigeria’s best, while his teachings on prosperity, faith, and leadership attract millions of followers worldwide.

He has also been a polarizing figure—praised for his entrepreneurship and philanthropy, yet criticized for blending religion with wealth accumulation. Despite this, his influence on Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement remains unmatched.

Conclusion

Bishop David Oyedepo’s story is not only about prosperity; it’s about vision, structure, and longevity. From a small congregation in Kaduna to a global ministry worth hundreds of millions, he has built a faith-driven empire that continues to shape lives, empower students, and spark conversations about wealth and religion in Africa.

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