Committed to the growth and empowerment of women, fast growing and innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat has announced it will be sponsoring the second edition of Hear Word, a theatrical performance, which highlights and addresses the challenges of Nigerian women.

Produced by iOpenEye, a company established in 2014 by Ifeoma Fafunwa to showcase the best of Nigerian performance art with a focus on empowering women and transforming society powerful parades performances from a cast of extraordinary Nigerian actresses such as Deborah Ohiri, Lala Akindoju, Zara Udofia, Rita Edward, Ufuoma McDermott, Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett​, Kate Henshaw​, Bimbo Akintola, ​Omonor, Elvina Ibru and Odenike

Speaking at a press conference to announce the 2015 edition of the show, Head, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani said, “Etisalat is proud to support Hear Word, an initiative which celebrates the Arts through the creative and artistic works of women within and beyond Nigeria. We recently supported the Woman Rising Initiative which also celebrates the creative works of women globally.”

Fafunwa said: “I am so humbled and inspired by the gift of Hear Word, the amazing actresses who came onboard without hesitation and who just keep gifting the incredible audience response and the inspiring support from our sponsors.

“The stories featured in Hear Word are based on everyday realities of Nigerian women. It is our hope that by lending our voices to theirs, we can amplify their reach and begin to transform realities. I am truly grateful to be part of this process,” she added.

According to Fafunwa, the theatre production kicks off with a special performance at the University of Lagos on April 29, and premieres at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos on May 1, and subsequently run every Friday and Saturday in May, at the MUSON Centre, alongside satellite performances in public spaces around Lagos