Nigerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.

The academy, backed by a $100 million fund, will provide training, mentorship, and resources to aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and creators across Africa.

Busari, an Emmy, Peabody, and Gracie award-winning journalist, used the occasion to not only celebrate her achievements but also unveil her vision for the future of African storytelling.

“The Academy will equip a new generation of storytellers with the tools to share their truth,” Busari stated. “If we are to shift global perceptions and unlock Africa’s full potential, we must invest in the people who will shape how the world sees us.”

The academy is just one part of Busari’s broader vision. She also launched SBB Media, a consultancy focused on taking African narratives global.

SBB Media will offer a range of services, from documentary filmmaking and media training to public speaking coaching and strategic communications.

The launch event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, drew a crowd of dignitaries, media personalities, and supporters.

Tributes poured in from prominent figures such as Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the first female President of Mauritius, and Richard Quest, a renowned anchor at CNN.

Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, praised Busari’s career as a testament to the power of storytelling, while Olori Atuwatse III, a Nigerian royal, highlighted the cultural significance of Busari’s work.

The launch of the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy and SBB Media marks a new chapter in Busari’s career and a significant development for African storytelling.

By empowering a new generation of storytellers and ensuring their voices reach a global audience, Busari is committed to reshaping the narrative around Africa.