From Lagos to the U.S.: Uche Jombo's Touching Gesture as She Delivers AMVCA Best Actress Award to Chioma Akpotha

In an industry often marred by competition and ego, moments of pure love and friendship shine through with refreshing beauty. Nigerian film star Uche Jombo recently served the world a much-needed dose of heartwarming sisterhood when she personally hand-delivered the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Actress award to her dear friend and colleague, Chioma Akpotha, all the way in the United States. The emotional exchange, captured on social media and embraced by fans around the world, is fast becoming one of Nollywood’s most cherished viral moments of the year.

The AMVCA Best Actress award, one of the most coveted honors in African cinema, was announced weeks ago at a glitzy ceremony in Lagos. While the event had many stars in attendance, Chioma Akpotha was noticeably absent. The respected actress had been in the United States and could not make it to the ceremony in person. But her absence did not dim the light of her win. As her name was called, cheers erupted, and the love poured in from colleagues, fans, and friends alike. And among the most moved was Uche Jombo, a Nollywood veteran and long-time friend of Chioma's, who decided that simply congratulating her from afar wasn’t enough.

In a touching post shared on her verified Instagram page, Uche Jombo announced, “I have finally delivered @chiomakpotha AMVCA best actress award to her @africamagic.” Accompanying the message was a clip that sent waves of joy across social media platforms: Uche arriving in the U.S., holding the gleaming trophy, and placing it in Chioma’s hands as the two embraced with laughter, squeals, and genuine admiration for each other. It was not just a handover; it was a moment that symbolized the power of unity, recognition, and true friendship in a business that often forgets both.

Chioma Akpotha, visibly emotional and overwhelmed, received her award with grace and gratitude. Her joy was not only for the recognition but also for the love that came wrapped in Uche’s selfless gesture. For fans who have followed both women throughout their illustrious careers, the scene was more than just an award presentation—it was a culmination of years of collaboration, sisterhood, and mutual respect between two of Nollywood’s most beloved figures.

It was a moment that many fans didn’t know they needed until it happened. The video quickly went viral, gathering thousands of likes, comments, and shares within hours. Celebrities and fans alike flooded the comment sections with applause and admiration. One fan wrote, “This is what real friendship looks like. Uche didn’t have to, but she did. So beautiful.” Another said, “These are our legends. So much grace, so much class. Nollywood is lucky to have women like this.”

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have long been considered the pinnacle of recognition for African filmmakers and actors, and for Chioma Akpotha, this award solidifies her legacy as one of the continent’s most powerful and consistent performers. With a career spanning over two decades, Chioma has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films, often portraying characters that resonate deeply with everyday people. Whether playing a struggling widow, a strong mother, or a determined career woman, her ability to embody roles with raw authenticity has made her a household name.

For Uche Jombo, her decision to deliver the award personally reflects not only her deep respect for Chioma’s talent but also her genuine love for her as a person. Uche herself is a powerhouse in Nollywood, known for her acting chops, directorial finesse, and fierce advocacy for women in film. The two women have worked on several projects together and share a bond that extends far beyond the screen. Their friendship, often seen on social media through playful videos and behind-the-scenes moments, has now been cemented in this unforgettable exchange of gratitude and honor.

This isn’t just about two actresses and an award. It is about what that award represents—the blood, sweat, and tears poured into a craft that is often thankless. It’s about sisterhood in an industry where women are frequently pitted against one another. It’s about showing up for each other in ways that matter, with actions that speak louder than words. And it’s about a reminder to the rest of us that kindness, no matter how small, never goes unnoticed.

The significance of Uche Jombo’s gesture was not lost on industry watchers either. Veteran filmmaker and AMVCA judge Ikenna Okeke noted, “This is one of those things that give the industry its soul. The award is symbolic, yes. But how it was delivered—hand to hand, from one colleague to another—is something we should all reflect on. It’s beautiful.”

Meanwhile, Africa Magic, the organizers of the AMVCAs, also acknowledged the moment by reposting the clip and commending both actresses for their contributions to the industry and for setting a positive example. “It’s not just about the awards,” one rep commented, “it’s about the stories behind the scenes, the friendships, and the love that keeps this industry alive.”

As Nollywood continues to grow on a global scale, moments like this are essential reminders of the heart that fuels the machine. While red carpets, accolades, and box office numbers tell one part of the story, it’s these unscripted displays of genuine humanity that truly define the soul of African cinema.

Chioma Akpotha’s award now sits proudly in her possession, but its journey there has become a story in its own right—one that will be told and retold as an example of what it means to truly celebrate someone else’s success. As the dust settles and the comments continue to roll in, fans are not just celebrating a win—they’re celebrating a friendship, a legacy, and the kind of moment that makes us all believe, just a little more, in the power of showing up.

In a world that often moves too fast to care, Uche Jombo slowed down, crossed continents, and made sure her friend felt every ounce of the recognition she deserved. And in doing so, she reminded everyone watching that success tastes even sweeter when shared.