LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- To mark International Women’s Day 2026, founder of the MMELI Arts Foundation, Nina Anyianuka brought together top creatives in Lagos for a hands-on workshop focused on storytelling, voice, and career growth for women.
Inspiring creativity and career building, Anyianuka teamed up with Alliance Française de Lagos to host the “Women, Words and Wealth” workshop in Ikoyi.
The event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, gathered women writers and creatives for an intensive session designed to sharpen their skills, strengthen their voices, and open doors to publishing opportunities.
Rather than a typical talk session, the workshop focused on practical learning. Participants explored key areas like creative identity, developing a unique voice, and understanding publishing pathways. Sessions were led by filmmaker and storyteller Phoenix Ezendu, veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Nina Anyianuka herself.
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According to organizers, the goal was to help women move beyond raw talent into structured, professional storytelling careers.
The foundation behind the event continues to push for growth across multiple creative fields including literature, film, music, and visual arts.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Richard Mofe-Damijo, who also chairs the foundation, said the focus is on building real systems for creatives.
He explained that African talent must move “beyond potential into tangible influence,” stressing that strong institutional support is key for global success.
Adding another layer to the conversation, head of grants and community building at Africa No Filter, Victor Mark-Onyegbu encouraged participants to take control of their narratives.
He highlighted the role storytelling plays in shaping how Africa is seen globally, urging writers to challenge outdated stereotypes with authentic stories.
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Anyianuka maintained that the mission goes deeper than inspiration, saying, “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. That is why we created Women, Words and Wealth: to help women writers move from private expression to public authorship, with an emphasis on discipline, structure and intentionality.”
Participants described the experience as both empowering and practical. Television writer Dorothy Ughenu shared her thoughts, noting, “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.”
The workshop was supported by partners including Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos, and Africa No Filter, all contributing to a shared vision of empowering African creatives.
More workshops and opportunities are expected to be announced soon, giving aspiring writers and storytellers further chances to grow, connect, and build sustainable careers in the creative industry.
