MMELI Arts Foundation, Alliance Française Lagos Host Storytelling Workshop to Mark International Women’s Day 2026

MMELI Arts Foundation, Alliance Française Lagos Host Storytelling Workshop to Mark International Women’s Day 2026

Lagos | April 2, 2026 To commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, MMELI Arts Foundation, in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos, convened women writers and creatives in Ikoyi for an intensive storytelling workshop titled Women, Words and Wealth.

The workshop was designed as a hands-on programme aimed at strengthening participants’ creative identity, refining their unique voices, and equipping them with practical knowledge on navigating publishing opportunities. Sessions focused on key areas including Creative Identity, Developing Your Voice, and Publishing Pathways.

Facilitators for the workshop included storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu; veteran actor, writer, and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo; and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka.

Speaking on the initiative, Mofe-Damijo, who chairs the MMELI Arts Foundation, emphasised the need to build systems that transform African creative potential into measurable global impact. He noted that while talent is abundant, it must be supported by strong institutional frameworks to compete on the world stage.

Also addressing participants, Victor Mark-Onyegbu, Head of Grants and Community Building at Africa No Filter, highlighted the power of storytelling in shaping global narratives about Africa. He encouraged participants to tell authentic, grounded stories that challenge stereotypes and reflect the continent’s diverse realities.

Founded by Anyianuka, MMELI Arts Foundation is dedicated to promoting cultural renewal and professional development for creatives. The workshop was supported by partners including Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos, and Africa No Filter.

Anyianuka reiterated the foundation’s commitment to raising standards in creative practice, stressing that the goal extends beyond encouraging expression to equipping women with the discipline, structure, and intentionality required to produce globally competitive work.

“The vision behind Women, Words and Wealth is to help women transition from private expression to public authorship,” she said. “We are focused on building writers who can sustain professional careers and create meaningful impact.”

Participants described the workshop as both timely and impactful, blending cultural insight with practical tools for career growth in storytelling. Dorothy Ughenu, a television and screenwriter, described the programme as a unique platform that created a safe and supportive space for women in the storytelling community.

She noted that the frameworks shared during the sessions would not only amplify participants’ voices but also enhance their earning potential within the creative industry.

MMELI Arts Foundation announced that details of upcoming workshops and opportunities for writers will be shared in the coming weeks. Interested individuals and partners are encouraged to follow the foundation’s website and social media platforms or contact its editorial desk for further information.

About MMELI Arts Foundation (MAF)
MMELI Arts Foundation is a pan-African nonprofit organisation committed to advancing creative excellence, cultural enrichment, and community development through the arts. The foundation supports creatives across disciplines—including literature, film, music, theatre, and visual arts—by providing resources, opportunities, and recognition needed to thrive.

The organisation was founded by Nina Anyianuka, an award-winning author and journalist.