Adaora Mbelu, also called Lumina, is an insignia of creativity—one so diverse, immense and unrestrictive. Her artistry and expertise as a creative.

Adaora "Lumina" Mbelu is an Insignia of Creativity, and to Nigerians, Even More

Adaora Mbelu, also called Lumina, is an insignia of creativity—one so diverse, immense and unrestrictive. Her artistry and expertise as a creative strategist, brand strategist and storyteller, and above all, a purpose-driver creative have made her an influential figure in the Nigerian creative sector, Africa inclusive. Mbelu’s influence in the African creative industry has been immensely impactful in recent times, especially with the Crea8torium show, co-hosted with Salem King. The show has consistently reshaped ideas and beliefs, inspired creatives and shaped them, and often times provided clarity with respect to navigating life’s path and journey as a creator—an ideal which has been reflected in all her career journeys.

Her diversity and unrestrictive perspective as a creative have influenced a lot of young Nigerian creatives. In addition, she is the author of This Thing Called Purpose, a book that reflects her philosophy on living with clarity and impact.

Born on 12 September 1986 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to a Nigerian father and Sri Lankan mother, Adaora’s life was defined early by diversity. Growing up in a multicultural home gave her a broad worldview, fuelling her desire to build bridges between cultures and people. As the youngest child and only girl among her siblings, she developed resilience and confidence at an early age.

Her mother was a powerful role model. After living in England, she moved with Adaora’s father to Anambra State, where she taught mathematics before later working in Lagos as a computer analyst. At a time when few women thrived in technology, Adaora’s mother excelled while also managing small home ventures to support the family. Seeing her mother step out with confidence, commanding respect in her workplace, gave Adaora an enduring sense of possibility.

Adaora began her education in Lagos at Learning Field Nursery and Primary School before moving on to Queen’s College. For higher education, she relocated to the United States, where she earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Northern Kentucky University.

After graduation, she joined Citigroup USA as a credit analyst. She managed projects like Nigerian Idol and X Factor Nigeria. These reputable marks as a corporate talent earned her several awards for organizational efficiency, performance and team spirit.

Returning to Nigeria in 2008, Adaora embraced creative enterprise. Under OSMI, she managed communications for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where she managed all communication on broadcasting rights. She also worked on brand strategy, content development, and high-profile television formats.

Also, as a director at Trellis Group—a company in the brand development and marketing space—Adaora has worked on several projects and corporate bodies, which include Microsoft, Google, Techno Oil, Union Bank, Sterling Bank, Nokia, and the Lagos State Government, among many others. She is also the founder of Lumination Global Network, a company dedicated to creative strategy and transformational learning.

As a true multipotential creative, Adaora has explored many forms of expression, including visual art, design, photography, poetry, rap, acting, and curation.

Her achievements have earned her several recognitions, including Global Young Leadership Conference (GYLC) Scholar, 11 Africans Changing the Business Landscape by Entrepreneur Magazine, the Royal Leadership Award from the Ooni of Ife, nomination for The Future Awards Africa’s Entrepreneur of the Year and Prize for Media Enterprise, and winner of the “Most Inspiring Woman” at the Her Network Woman of the Year Awards in 2019. She has also been listed among Nigeria’s Under 40 CEOs, Top 30 Under 30, and the MIPAD 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in 2020, the Power Woman 100 List by The Power Woman Network, The Richer Woman “100 Most Impactful Women”, and Leading Ladies Africa 100.

Also, through Socially Africa, a foundation she established, Adaora has launched impactful projects that sought to solve identified problems in the community, such as running code classes for teenagers, hosting food drives among others. She also launched a volunteer programme called The Amber Circle.

Adaora’s life is a weave of culture, imagination, and service, and her creativity in communicating these senses of her person has been desired for so long; hence, creating a wave of storytelling, innovation, purposeful enterprise, and leadership that uplifts and inspires others. In a rather rhythmic stance, her journey continues to show that when purpose and creativity meet, the result is nothing short of transformation and impact.

Writer: Ajayi Oluwabukunmi 

Editor: Adedeji Adebusuyi