NOA praises Funke Akindele for valuing the ₦aira in 'Behind The Scenes'

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has praised actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele for her efforts to promote respect for the Nigerian currency, the ₦aira, in her new film “Behind The Scenes.”

A report from PREMIUM TIMES says Akindele released the movie on 12 December 2025. The film looks at the emotional and financial pressure on people who carry the burdens of others.

One memorable scene shows the FCTF crashing a party just as the characters were about to spray cash. The officers burst in and warned the crowd.

The scene sends a clear message that spraying money is a financial crime in Nigeria. This mirrors actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against people who misuse banknotes.

The NOA responded to this creative choice in a statement signed by its Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, which was shared with this newspaper on Thursday.

The agency called Akindele’s gesture a commendable step in changing how people view the ₦aira. The statement said, “The NOA commends you for your recently released movie ‘Behind the Scenes,’ particularly for the thoughtful and patriotic inclusion of a message promoting respect for the national currency.”

The statement continued, “We wish to acknowledge you as a role model and applaud your deliberate effort to highlight the importance of preserving the dignity of our national currency by discouraging the practice of spraying and trampling on the ₦aira at public functions.”

The agency also noted that Akindele’s creative work supports the Federal Government’s push for responsible civic behavior and following laws regarding the proper use of the ₦aira.

NOA expressed its high regard for the actress and promised to support her efforts in nation-building. “As you are aware, the ₦aira is not merely a medium of exchange but a symbol of our national sovereignty and collective identity. Your influence as a leading figure in Nigeria’s creative industry has significantly amplified this message, contributing to public awareness and behavioral change in an engaging and impactful way.”

The agency added, “The Agency recognizes the vital role of the entertainment industry in shaping societal values and attitudes. Your work exemplifies how film can be effectively used as a tool for national reorientation, and we encourage you to continue using your platform to support initiatives that promote civic responsibility and national pride.”

NOA’s praise for Akindele comes during a time when several entertainers are facing prosecution for ₦aira abuse, mutilation, and related offenses.

This newspaper reported that comedian Ayo “AY Comedian” Makun and actress Iyabo Ojo were recently invited by the EFCC and questioned about these issues.

Additionally, the EFCC arrested businessman Pascal “Cubana Chief Priest (CP)” Okechukwu for ₦aira abuse and charged him in court. Businessman Emeka “E-Money” Okonkwo was also arrested but released after hours of questioning.

In another case, the EFCC sent crossdresser Okuneye “Bobrisky” Olanrewaju to jail, along with other TikTokers and content creators, as part of their effort to enforce respect for the country’s currency.