The MMELI Arts Foundation, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Lagos, has organised a storytelling workshop for women as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.
The event, titled Women, Words and Wealth, was held in Ikoyi and brought together women writers and creatives for an intensive programme focused on developing storytelling skills, strengthening creative identity and exploring pathways to publication.
The workshop featured sessions on creative identity, voice development and publishing opportunities. Facilitators included storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu, actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka.
Speaking at the event, Mofe-Damijo, who chairs the foundation, said the initiative was part of efforts to build structures that would help African creatives translate potential into global influence. He noted that talent must be supported institutionally to compete on the global stage.
Also speaking, Victor Mark-Onyegbu of Africa No Filter urged participants to recognise the role of storytelling in shaping global perceptions of Africa, encouraging them to tell authentic stories that challenge stereotypes.
Founded by Anyianuka, the MMELI Arts Foundation focuses on cultural development and professional growth for creatives. According to her, the workshop was designed to promote discipline, structure and intentionality in creative practice, while helping women transition from private expression to public authorship.
Partners for the programme included Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos and Africa No Filter.
Participants described the workshop as impactful and timely.
Television and screenwriter Dorothy Ughenu said the initiative created a supportive environment for women in storytelling and provided practical frameworks to strengthen both creative output and earning potential.
The foundation said it would announce details of future workshops and opportunities for writers in the coming weeks.
Comment here