Lagos, Nigeria – October 8, 2025 – Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi and the winner of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 10, has expressed her aspiration to enter Nollywood, naming acclaimed filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele as her primary mentor.
In a recent interview, Imisi, 24, highlighted how her time in the BBNaija house amplified her acting talents, which fellow housemates often praised as natural. She shared her enthusiasm for film, stating, “I think people saw a lot of my acting side while I was in the house. Even my fellow housemates said I’m a natural actress. I’m ready to do more.” Imisi specifically cited Akindele’s influence, saying, “Funke Akindele is my number one mentor. I really hope to work with her one day.”
Akindele, known for blockbuster films like A Tribe Called Judah and her role as producer on multiple hit Nollywood projects, has long been a trailblazer for emerging talents in the industry. Imisi’s admiration aligns with Akindele’s reputation for mentoring young creatives through her production company, Scene One Productions.
From Reality TV to the Silver Screen
Imisi’s journey began with her standout performance in BBNaija Season 10, where her vibrant personality and quick wit earned her the grand prize of ₦100 million in September 2025. The show, which concluded after 71 days of intense competition, showcased her flair for drama and improvisation, drawing comparisons to seasoned actors. Post-win, she has voiced plans to channel her platform into entertainment, emphasizing intentional growth. “Fame is new to me, but I’m ready to learn and grow. I’ll seek mentorship and be intentional about my next steps,” she added, while thanking her Celestial Church community for their support during the competition.
This comes as Nollywood continues to attract reality TV stars, with past BBNaija alumni like Tacha and Mercy Eke transitioning successfully into acting and production roles.
Social Media Echoes
The interview snippet has trended on X and Instagram, with fans celebrating Imisi’s humility and ambition. Comments range from “Queen Imisi to Nollywood—Funke, make it happen!” to shared stories of aspiring actors seeking similar guidance. While Akindele has not yet responded publicly, the endorsement underscores the collaborative spirit in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
As Imisi steps into this new chapter, her nod to Akindele signals a promising bridge between reality TV and cinema, potentially inspiring a wave of young talents to pursue their creative dreams.