MMi Launches Student Documentary Fellowship To Preserve Yoruba Culture Through Storytelling

In a bold move to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Yoruba culture, Illuminate Nigeria Development Network (INDN) a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young media professionals through mentorship, training, and capacity-building programs, has unveiled a groundbreaking documentary fellowship for students through its media mentoring initiative(MMi).

The fellowship-themed, ‘promoting Yoruba identity through documentary’ is a three-month immersive program designed for final-year students in public universities who aspire to become documentary filmmakers and wish to deepen their understanding of Yoruba culture.

The fellowship aims to engage participants in authentic storytelling, enriching their knowledge of Yoruba philosophies, governance, and way of life.

At the opening ceremony, the Convener of the Fellowship, broadcaster and multi-genre media personality, Anikeade Funke-Treasure, emphasized the intentional focus on Yoruba language and culture, stating that the initiative seeks to preserve cultural pride and foster generational socialization into the language and traditions.

“We cannot sit in criticism and wail about how our young ones do not share our knowledge of language and the nuances of our culture while doing nothing to change the status quo,”

“I listened to the shortlisted student fellows pitch their documentary ideas, and my heart swelled with pride.

I was struck by how articulate the students were and how deeply concerned they were about issues like the state of Yoruba names, the loathing of Oriki, the alienation of our youth from their roots, the celebration of Yoruba fashion, and the desire to elevate our food and meals, among other themes.”, Treasure said.

The event also featured a keynote address by globally acclaimed filmmaker Tunde Kelani, who praised the initiative for its innovative approach to preserving Yoruba culture.

Kelani highlighted the importance of storytelling in safeguarding cultural heritage, noting that Yoruba identity is a treasure that has stood the test of time but faces the risk of being forgotten in the face of globalization.

“Yoruba people are known worldwide for their rich culture, profound history, and timeless traditions,” Kelani said.

“However, with globalization and the increasing influence of modern trends, many aspects of this heritage risk being forgotten or misunderstood.

This is where the power of storytelling through documentaries becomes a vital tool.”

He described documentaries as powerful tools for preserving history, educating others, and celebrating cultural achievements.

He encouraged the student fellows to embrace their roles as storytellers, urging them to use their smartphones to document festivals, interview elders, and create videos about traditional Yoruba music, food, and art.

Challenging the student fellows to see themselves as the storytellers of tomorrow, Kelani encouraged them to take advantage of modern technology to document and share Yoruba stories.

“You don’t have to wait for someone else to tell our story—start telling it yourself! Whether it’s the beating of the talking drum, the vibrance of the Egungun festival, or the intricate designs of Adire fabric, these stories belong to you.

Let the world know about the beauty of being Yoruba, and let them hear it through your voice.”, Kelani urged.

The fellowship, which has already garnered significant interest, is expected to produce impactful documentaries that will not only preserve Yoruba culture but also inspire future generations to take pride in their heritage.

As the fellowship progresses, the organizers hope to expand its reach, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture continues to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Through this initiative, MMi is proving that storytelling is not just an art form but a powerful tool for cultural preservation and education.