Women Writers Rise at MMELI’s Transformative Storytelling Intensive in Lagos

In a compelling celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the MMELI Arts Foundation, in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos, convened a powerful gathering of women creatives in Ikoyi for a storytelling intensive that did more than inspire, it equipped, challenged, and redefined possibility. 

Tagged Women, Words and Wealth, the workshop brought together an ambitious cohort of writers, filmmakers, and storytellers, all united by a shared goal: to sharpen their craft and claim their space in the global creative economy. But beyond the conversations and connections, the programme delivered something far more enduring tools for transformation.

Designed as a hands-on, results-driven experience, the sessions focused on creative identity, voice development, and navigating publishing pathways. Leading the charge were some of Nigeria’s most respected creative minds, including filmmaker and storyteller Phoenix Ezendu, veteran actor and cultural advocate Richard Mofe-Damijo, and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka.

For Richard Mofe-Damijo, who chairs the MMELI Arts Foundation, the vision is clear and urgent. The initiative, he noted, is about building systems that propel African voices “beyond potential into tangible influence,” insisting that raw talent must be matched with institutional backing to thrive on the world stage.

That sentiment was reinforced by Victor Mark-Onyegbu of Africa No Filter, who challenged participants to recognise storytelling as a force that shapes global perception. His message was direct: authentic, grounded African stories have the power to dismantle long-standing stereotypes and the world is ready to listen.

Founded by Nina Anyianuka, the MMELI Arts Foundation continues to position itself at the intersection of cultural renewal and professional development, pushing creatives toward excellence with intention and discipline. Anyianuka emphasised that the foundation’s mission goes beyond encouragement.

“The goal is not simply to encourage expression,” she said, “but to equip women with the tools to produce work that can stand in professional and global spaces.”

She added that Women, Words and Wealth was deliberately designed to help women transition from private creativity to public authorship—anchored in structure, rigour, and purpose.

Supported by partners including Nestlé Nigeria and Rite Foods, the workshop reflects a growing recognition of the creative sector as both a cultural and economic force.

For participants, the impact was immediate and deeply personal. Television and screenwriter Dorothy Ughenu described the experience as groundbreaking—a rare, safe space where women could refine their voices while gaining practical strategies to monetise their craft.

“Applying the structures shared by the facilitators will amplify our voices and strengthen our earning power,” she said.

As the event closed, one message resonated above all: storytelling is no longer just an art, it is agency, influence, and opportunity. And through initiatives like this, African women are not just finding their voices but they are learning how to make them count.

The MMELI Arts Foundation says more workshops and opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks, signalling that this is not a one-off event, but part of a sustained movement to elevate African storytelling to global prominence.