This spotlight features Nnedi Mgbemena. Nnedi is a lawyer, author and change agent from Nigeria whose work focuses on utilising female power to effect positive change. She is a legal strategist with over a decade of experience in legal practice and research spanning diverse sectors.

Her book, “Dance in the Rain” is a collection of ten short stories that reflect diverse themes woven around the African woman as she tries to find her voice while navigating life in today’s world.

What is your profession?

Legal Practitioner/Writer

A brief bio?
I am a lawyer, author and change agent from Nigeria. I currently live in Abuja, without any pets. My work has been more focused on harnessing the power of women for societal change, through enlightening virtual sessions premised on diverse themes that I explore in my writings.

What time does your alarm go off?
At 6:10 am most mornings.

What do your mornings typically look like?
I try to ease into my day typically with prayers/peace and quiet, walking (sometimes) and some thinking/writing. (I’m not really a morning person).

How did you get on this career path? 
I didn’t grow up wanting to be a lawyer, I was kind of steered into one of the “prestigious courses”, and I followed through with it because I loved the education it gave me. As for writing, I just naturally morphed into writing because it was easier for me to communicate whatever I was feeling through a story.

Tell us what a typical day looks like?

I am currently in the middle of some life-altering decisions, therefore my days aren’t typical. I just set the mood for my mornings and then roll with the punches.

Can you share some of your most memorable moments?

I have quite a colorful memory bank and wouldn’t want to go off on a tangent, however, I clearly remember the indescribable feeling of joy when I first held a hard copy of my first published book – “Dance in the Rain”.

What does societal change mean to you?

Do we have the time? For now, I think it means women shedding a lot of the ridiculous weight that was thrust on them, reversing the silly ideologies that we perpetuate, living authentic and healthy lives.”

What do you love most about what you do?
The fact that the improvement of the quality of people’s lives is the most important part of the craft… And that every other thing is secondary.

What do you not like about what you do?
The difficulty with getting partnerships for my projects and the trouble of relating with minds that are closed off.
And what do you do at the weekends?
Try to leave my cocoon, because sometimes I like people… in small doses.
Who in the creative industry (globally) inspires you and why?
Asa, Chimamanda Adichie and Trevor Noah. I don’t think there’s anyone in the world right now who doesn’t know these names and why!

What does societal change mean to you?

Do we have the time? For now, I think it means women shedding a lot of the ridiculous weight that was thrust upon them, reversing the silly ideologies that we perpetuate, living authentic and healthy lives.

In your opinion, how can the creative industries contribute to social change/social cohesion/improve the Nigerian society?

We must wield the power of influence properly to enable us successfully address socio-cultural issues one after the other through this influence.

If you were not doing what you are doing now, what career path would you have taken?
I’d be a pilot or an aeronautical engineer. Everything about the aviation space intrigues me.

In your opinion, how can the creative industries contribute to social change/social cohesion/improve the Nigerian society?

We must wield the power of influence properly to enable us successfully address socio-cultural issues one after the other through this influence.