By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Journalists, filmmakers, content creators and others interested in receiving funding support of up to $30,000 have been asked to partake in the Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund created by a group known as Africa No Filter.
A statement issued by the organisation disclosed that the money would be given to emerging artists and storytellers, whose work shines a light on entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Africa.
It was stated that the Tony Elumelu Storytellers Fund is a standalone initiative and extension of his commitment to catalysing a redefined African success story, powered by Africa’s youth and their creative ideas.
Intending participants, according to the notice, must be aged between 18 and 35 years, living on the continent or in the Diaspora. They must have a platform or portfolio of work that shines the light on entrepreneurship in Africa and must file their applications on or before July 29, 2022.
Africa No Filter explained that the $30,000 fund is provided for by Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life Assurance, the insurance subsidiaries of the pan-African investment group, Heirs Holdings and it is to honour the Chairman of the firm, Mr Tony Elumelu, who has, through his Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), led the championing of entrepreneurship in Africa and has empowered over 15,000 young African entrepreneurs across the continent through a $100 million commitment.
“I have always believed in the potential of young African entrepreneurs to transform Africa. This initiative aligns with our beliefs and extends the work that we do at the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
“Empowering young creative entrepreneurs and the creative sector provides a channel for us to project Africa’s positives globally. We need their voices to tell our often less-told stories of triumph, resilience, hard work and innovation,” Mr Elumelu said.
“Our partnership is significant because this is the first African funding we have received towards the fight for narrative change. We are also excited to be partnering with one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs to celebrate entrepreneurship on the continent through storytelling.
“We need more success stories, more awareness and more celebrations around entrepreneurial ideas and the dynamic young people driving change here,” an Executive Director at Africa No Filter, Moky Makura, stated.
The Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life, Ifesinachi Okpagu, while commenting on the initiative, stated that, “We are pleased to support this initiative that directly impacts the lives of young African creatives.
“As frontrunners of digital innovation in the insurance space, Heirs Insurance and Heirs Life both recognise the important role the creative sector plays in transforming Africa’s narrative. We are on the same transformative path, and this initiative clearly demonstrates that the ideas that we need to boost Africa are right here on the continent.”
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya