A young model and reality TV star, Victoria Ikhumhen, has opened up on how Nigerian filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele, has inspired her a lot in the film-making and acting business.

Beyond being her role model in the entertainment industry, she said Akindele inspires her deeply, not just because of her talent as an actor, but also because of the kind of person she is.

Ikhumhen, popularly known as Toria, said the actress represents a strong mother figure to many young creatives, “And that is something I connect with on a very personal level. Watching how she mentors and supports the people around her reminds me so much of my own mother, who also taught me the value of hard work, kindness, and uplifting others.

“She is my greatest role model. Growing up, I watched her venture into different businesses with so much strength and determination. She never believed in being idle. She was always active, always working, and always thinking of new ways to grow and provide. Her resilience and consistency shaped my mindset from a very young age.”

To this end, she urged youths across the country to be focused and emulate her style as a master class.

Inspiring her, Toria said, is her mother, who is always passionate about teaching.

The move, the TV star girl said, had inspired her to become a successful woman, not just for herself, but to create a legacy

The biggest values she instilled in me are that hard work always pays, you must believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to as long as you are willing to put in the effort.

“She also taught me the importance of doing what you genuinely enjoy, because success becomes even more fulfilling when you love what you do.

“I would say that is where my drive and hunger for success come from. I aspire to become a successful woman, not just for myself, but to create a legacy. My dream is to grow to a point where I can lift and support other young talents, just as I have been inspired along the way.

“One of my lifetime goals is to own a foundation that supports women and children, especially widows and orphans. I want to create opportunities, provide hope, and empower them to build better futures for themselves. For me, success is not just about personal achievement, but about impact, purpose, and giving back. That’s why I love, respect, and admire Funke Akindele’s work, she puts all her support behind upcoming talents,” she said.

Speaking further, Toria, who is also an entrepreneur said: “I have seen several behind-the-scenes moments where she doesn’t just act but also gets fully involved in every part of the production. Aunty Funke will be doubling as a hairstylist or makeup artist while producing and directing on her own set. She shows that true excellence is about understanding every aspect of your craft. That level of dedication and hands-on leadership is incredibly inspiring to me as a young actor who wants to grow and be versatile.

“What I admire the most is that she stays in her own lane. She focuses on doing her best, building her brand, and creating meaningful work, while still extending love, kindness, and opportunities to upcoming talents. To me, that balance of success, humility, and impact is rare and powerful.

“She is truly a superwoman in every sense, amazing, authentic, hardworking, and unstoppable. And that is why she inspires me so much. She is simply HER.

“Sincerely, I definitely believe Funke Akindele is a masterclass when it comes to promoting her movies, especially for upcoming actors to learn from. She understands her craft, her audience, and the power of connection. I truly support her style as an actor and filmmaker because she is natural, authentic, creative, and extremely hardworking.

What stands out the most to me is how supportive she is of young and emerging talents. She constantly creates opportunities and platforms for them to grow, and if you ask me, that is legacy. I believe there are so many success stories today and in the future that will not be complete without her name being mentioned.

“I also admire how she is always willing to explore different ways to promote her projects. As long as it is positive, lawful, and doesn’t hurt anyone, I fully support whatever strategy she chooses. It simply shows that she understands the industry and knows how to connect with her audience.

“Her projects are always beautiful to watch, relatable, entertaining, and educational at the same time. For me, that balance is what makes her stand out and why she remains such an inspiration to me.”