What do we offer ?
Distinct courses and curriculums
Bursaries for professional projects
Coaching from reputable instructors
Simulated and practical assignments
StoryMi is derivative of the Yoruba phrase “Ìtàn mi” that translates to “My Story” in English. With the current evolution recorded in the media space through modern technology, we aim to build a community of competent media creatives who will be versed in all spheres of media including; Journalism, Television and Documentary production, photography and Videography, Print and Radio broadcast.
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We believe that great instructors are key for a successful and impactful program! At StoryMi, they invest their time and share their passion for storytelling and ethical journalism. Above all they are personally engaged in passing on hard learned tools to the new generation, who in turn go on to tell their own stories of Nigeria.
Our Team
Sophie Bouillon
The founder and director of StoryMi academy is an award winning journalist. She spent most of her career in Africa, first as a freelance journalist for several international media.
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She relocated on a permanent basis to Nigeria in 2016, where she worked with Agence France-Press (AFP) as a deputy director in the Lagos bureau. She is currently the director and coordinator of the Hausa Service for Radio France Internationale (RFI).
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Sophie is an accomplished author with three books to her name. Manuwa Street, her last book, was published at Farafina Books in 2022. She founded StoryMi academy with the goal of upscaling media and journalism and giving opportunities to the new generation of Nigerian reporters. She is currently the youngest ever recipient of the highest award in French Press, the Albert Londres Prize.
Andrew Esiebo
A visual storyteller who integrates Multimedia practice and artistry to illuminate reportage on Sexuality, Gender, Politics, Football, Pop Culture, Migration, Religion and Spirituality.
His works have been published globally in Books, Magazines and websites including; The National Geographic, New York Times, Courrier International, Washington Post Financial Times, Guardian Online amongst others.
A social Justice advocate with his brand of journalism, he continues to work with several local and international institutions.
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He is considered as one of the best African photojournalist of his generation.
His website: www.andrewesiebo.com
Mayeni Jones
BBC West Africa correspondent based in Lagos, Mayeni Jones is a multilingual and multimedia journalist.
She was formerly the producer, reporter and presenter of “Focus on Africa '' a BBC flagship program that delved into issues concerning African affairs. She also documented the #Endsars and anti-police brutality protests in Nigeria, mass kidnappings and floods.
A successful investigative journalist, her scope of work includes presenting “African Eye”, a BBC Africa investigative show. In May 2019 she spearheaded a BBC panorama investigation that revealed how culpable businessmen connived to syphon Billions of Dollars in an energy deal in Senegal with kickbacks traced to the family members of the President.
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More on Mayeni: Mayeni Jones
Fati Abubakar
Fati Abubakar is a documentary photographer, Photojournalist and a Health worker based in Nigeria.
She uses photography to highlight issues at the communal level. This has led to her being commissioned to work with UNICEF, international alert, Action aid and other organisations.
Her project titled “Bits of Borno” highlights the societal struggles in her hometown Maiduguri, after years of suffering from the siege of insurgency and terrorism. This project garnered international acclaim and brought the plight of her people to the Global stage. Her pictures have been published internationally by New York Times, BBC, Reuters, AFP, CNN ,Voice of America, Newsweek Europe amongst others.
She is currently visiting lecturer in media and art at Duke Kunshan University, China.
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Her website: www.fatiabubakar.com
Mohammed José
The founder of Baainz media solutions, he is a Film producer and photographer who uses his background in finance and media strategy to influence our culture through film and intentional storytelling.
He has worked on numerous cinematography projects as well as marketing campaigns with reputable brands including; Aliko Dangote foundation, TikTok, Mavin Records, CFI and Living Faith Ministries inc.
His works have also been featured on the Nasdaq Billboard in Times Square and Vuuqa Magazine SA.
His website: www.baainz.agency
Samuel Okocha
Samuel Okocha is a freelance multimedia journalist, writer and creator. He documents daily life on the streets of Lagos through photography.
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He published his first book “From Nobody to Somebody; A journalist’s Lagos diary", which was a compendium of three years of shooting within the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos.
His works have been featured in various platforms including;France 24, RFI, VOA and many more.
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His website: www.somokocha.com
Louise Monlaü
A successful documentary filmmaker based in Paris, France. She is experienced photogrpaher in both print and multimedia journalism having worked with the most prestigious French Newspapers.
An international filmmaker of repute, she directed her first short film in 2020, “The Death Cleaner” which was selected for the Emmy awards in 2021 and also for the AFI Festival.
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Her second short film “Rocio and me”, highlights the struggles and relationship between a mother and her daughter suffering from Down syndrome. In 2022, she shot “Nigeria’s Dancer for Change” commissioned by Al Jazeera.
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Her website: www.louisemonlau.com