Nollywood actor cum Filmmaker Yul Edochie has written a heartfelt message to his colleague Funke Akindele following her defeat in Nigeria’s recent gubernatorial elections.

Funke Akindele was defeated by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the incumbent governor of Lagos State.

The mother of two has since removed her campaign photos and videos from her social media page.

Yul Edochie, who shared a photo of Funke Akindele on social media on Tuesday, advised her to return the photos to her page because they would serve as a reminder of her success and battle scars.

Funke Akindele’s name on the ballot, according to the father of five, is a feat that many who mocked her have wished to achieve.

His open letter reads: “To my dear colleague, @funkejenifaakindele

I want to congratulate you for the bold political step you took, running for Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

You did great. I noticed you deleted all your campaign pictures from your Instagram page. Of course I can’t sit in my house and know your reason for doing so, neither is it my business. But as a concerned colleague and friend I want to encourage you and through you encourage others out there. A warrior is always proud of his or her battle scars. The scars are proof that he or she went to battle and came back alive. You’re a warrior. Your campaign pictures are part of your battle scars. Wear them proudly.

Those pictures deserve to remain on your page forever.

It’s a historical moment for you. A rare privilege. No matter what anybody says to you. Don’t be discouraged by those who are laughing at you for not winning. Na childish brain dey worry dem. Cowards will always laugh at the brave ones. That’s the only way they console themselves for being cowards. When they grow up they’ll laugh at themselves for not having the courage to try what you did. There are no failures in life as long as you never give up. It’s either you win or you learn. The person who fails is that person who has not tried at all. Out of the millions of Lagosians you were picked to be Deputy Governorship candidate. It’s a human and spiritual honor to be given the opportunity to serve the people.

It marks the beginning of your political journey. Never give up. In 2017, I ran for Governor of my state, from start to finish and it’s one of the best things I’ve done in my life. One of my proudest moments. I learnt a lot.

My campaign pictures are still on my page, my battle scars. I wear those scars proudly. And I’ll never give up. One day I’ll be President of Nigeria. Funke, you will sit in your office someday as Deputy Governor or Governor or President and look at your first campaign pictures and you’ll have tears of joy in your eyes. You will be proud of your journey. Never give up. I wish you the very best. May God lead you always. Cheers.”