MMELI Arts Foundation, Alliance Française Lagos Deepen Women’s Creative Capacity with IWD Storytelling Workshop
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
In a renewed push to strengthen women’s participation and visibility in the creative industry, the MMELI Arts Foundation, in collaboration with Alliance Française Lagos, has successfully hosted a high-impact storytelling workshop for women in Lagos.
The initiative, titled Women, Words and Wealth, was organised in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026 and held in Ikoyi, bringing together a diverse group of women writers, filmmakers, and creatives for an intensive, skill-driven programme.
‘Dunni Lambo – Cultural Coordinator AFL, Richard Mofe-Damijo -Chairman Mmeli Arts Foundation, Nina Anyianuka – Founder CEO Mmeli Arts Foundation, Odufa Onaulogho – Librarian AFL
Designed as a practical and immersive workshop rather than a theoretical engagement, the programme focused on equipping participants with the tools needed to transition from passion-driven creativity to structured, professional storytelling. Key sessions explored Creative Identity, Developing Your Voice, and Publishing Pathways, all aimed at helping participants refine their craft, discover their unique narrative voice, and understand the mechanics of getting published in competitive markets.
The workshop featured a strong lineup of facilitators, including veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu, and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka, who is also the founder of the MMELI Arts Foundation.
Speaking on the broader vision behind the initiative, Mofe-Damijo, who chairs the foundation, stressed the urgent need to build sustainable structures that will elevate African creatives beyond raw potential into global relevance. According to him, talent alone is no longer sufficient in today’s highly competitive creative ecosystem, noting that institutional support, mentorship, and access to opportunities are critical for success.
Further reinforcing the importance of storytelling, Victor Mark-Onyegbu of Africa No Filter charged participants to recognise the immense power of narratives in shaping global perceptions of Africa. He urged them to tell authentic, grounded stories capable of dismantling long-standing stereotypes about the continent while projecting a more accurate and nuanced image of African realities.
In her remarks, Anyianuka emphasised that the foundation’s approach goes beyond encouraging creative expression. She noted that the Women, Words and Wealth initiative was deliberately designed to instill discipline, structure, and intentionality in participants, enabling them to move from private storytelling to public authorship.
“The goal is not simply to encourage expression, but to equip women with the tools to produce work that can stand in professional and global spaces,” she stated.
She further explained that the programme was created to help women writers transition into visible, impactful voices within the global storytelling landscape, with a strong emphasis on building sustainable creative careers.
Participants at the workshop described the experience as both timely and transformative, highlighting its relevance in a rapidly evolving creative economy. According to Dorothy Ughenu, a television and screenwriter, the programme created a rare, safe, and structured space for women in storytelling.
“Women, Words & Wealth was a first-of-its-kind programme that developed and nurtured a safe space for women in the storytelling community. Applying the structures shared by the facilitators will amplify our voices and strengthen our earning power,” she said.
Beyond creative development, the workshop also addressed the economic dimension of storytelling, encouraging participants to view their craft not just as art but as a viable source of income and professional growth.
The event was supported by notable partners, including Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos, and Africa No Filter, reflecting a growing cross-sector commitment to empowering women in the arts.
As part of its forward-looking agenda, the MMELI Arts Foundation disclosed that additional workshops and opportunities for writers will be rolled out in the coming weeks. Interested participants, collaborators, and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the foundation’s official platforms for updates and engagement opportunities.
The foundation, founded by Anyianuka, continues to position itself as a key driver of cultural renewal and professional development across Africa’s creative ecosystem, supporting talents across literature, film, theatre, design, and other artistic disciplines.
