Humanitarian support isn’t just about providing aid—it’s about restoring dignity, elevating humanity, and affirming that every life holds equal value. With over 110 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, as highlighted in the 2023 Global Trends report by the UN Refugee Agency, the urgency for action has never been more pressing. Yet, beyond the numbers and statistics lies the heart of every displaced person’s story—stories that deserve to be told with depth, compassion, and respect.
In the latest episode of Credo Voices, we spotlight the extraordinary work of Valentine Onyeka Ogunaka—known as “Brainbox” or “OV Onyeka.” Valentine is the visionary founder of Ecrafti | Narratives for Development, a social impact hub that partners with creatives to craft narratives aimed at driving sustainable development. As a multimedia communications specialist and internationally acclaimed poet, Valentine uses the power of storytelling to inspire transformation, uplift spirits, and shine a light on the resilient side of life, even in the face of adversity.
Throughout the episode, Valentine shares his journey of using storytelling as a force for change. From writing soul-stirring poetry that captures the strength of displaced communities to authoring powerful works aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), his approach is both innovative and impactful. His initiative, Framing for a Cause, reshapes narratives, moving beyond the often one-dimensional portrayal of struggle. Instead, he brings forth the untold stories of hope, courage, and strength within marginalized communities. Valentine’s work exemplifies the spirit of SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
His storytelling spans a range of mediums—video production, digital content, poetry, and public speaking—reaching across borders in Nigeria, the UK, Botswana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Niger. With collaborations with international organizations like Amnesty International, UNHCR, BBC Media Action, and Witness, Valentine’s communications strategies have fuelled impactful campaigns, challenged perceptions, and promoted deeper understanding.
“Storytelling holds immense power, especially when it gives voice to marginalized communities. It helps us transcend the single narrative of struggle and instead shows us the resilience, humanity, and strength within,” says Credo CEO Awele Okigbo. “A single story isn’t necessarily untrue—it’s simply incomplete. By sharing fuller, richer narratives, we honor the dignity of every individual.”
Join us in this moving conversation, where storytelling becomes more than just a medium—it becomes a lifeline for change, compassion, and hope. Listen to the full episode on Spotify and visit our website for more information. To learn more about Valentine and his work at Ecrafti | Narratives for development, follow him on X and LinkedIn.
New episodes of Credo Voices are released monthly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube as part of Credo Advisory’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a global community of change-makers.
