Tributes have continued to pour in for media executive and filmmaker Mo Abudu, who marked her 62nd birthday on Thursday.
The EbonyLife founder shared a heartfelt message on her social media page, giving thanks for life and reflecting on God’s faithfulness over the years. She said she was grateful for the journey so far and hopeful about the future.
“Happy birthday to me. I turn 62 today. I am grateful and thankful. Lord, I give You all the praise for the gift of life, Your grace, mercy, favour, and every chapter You have written and continue to write. My heart is full, my spirit is thankful, and I know the best is yet to come,” she wrote.
Her post attracted warm wishes from colleagues and admirers across the entertainment industry. Actor Shaggy Bello described her as an inspiration, while Tomike praised her as a mother figure and a powerful force in the industry.
Mercy Aigbe celebrated Abudu as an icon, while Odunlade Adekola described her as a great woman in Africa. Others, including Peter Okoye, Kaffy, Juliet Ibrahim, Aisha Lawal, Susan Peters, Juliana Olayode and Taiwo Adeyemi, also sent birthday messages to the filmmaker.
Mo Abudu remains one of Africa’s most recognised figures in film and media. In 2024, Zoyols News ranked her as the 97th most powerful woman in the world, placing her among notable women, including Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. Abudu said she was humbled by the recognition and celebrated the women on the list for changing perceptions across different backgrounds.
Her success in cinema has also been widely recognised. In 2023, she emerged as the highest grossing movie producer, with films generating N1.59 billion at the box office. Funke Akindele followed with N1.33 billion, while Ayo Makun recorded N1.25 billion.
Earlier this year, Abudu praised Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham and Ini Edo for their achievements at the cinema. She described them as phenomenal women who continue to create outstanding work, break new ground and prove the growing strength of women in the film industry.
Meanwhile, an unverified report circulated in 2023 alleging that Funke Akindele influenced casting decisions on Mo Abudu’s film, Chief Daddy. The claim, which involved Toyin Abraham and Beverly Osu, was not independently confirmed.
