Also known as "Omenka Ulonka," I’m a Berlin-based Nigerian/German, animation producer, director, designer, and VR artist with over 20 years of industry experience. I take pride in being often referred to as the "mother of African Animation." in recognition of my pioneer status in the industry.My journey in animation began in Nigeria with a foundation in Fine and Applied Arts (Graphic Design/Illustration, Copywriting and Branding). Followed by a PG in African studies at the University of Cologne, Communication Design at the Fachhochschule Düsseldorf, a traineeship at the West German Broadcasting (WDR) and finally in 2003, an intensive training in traditional 2D cartoon animation at the International Film School (ifs) Cologne, thus, realizing a dream I had nurtured since age 7: to make animation films. After my graduation, I worked in studios before going independent in 2006, heading Shrinkfish Animation Studios from 2009 and founding Jolly Squid Ltd in 2021. Over the years, I've been privileged to lead international co-productions and collaborating with notable clients and partners including industry giants like Universal Music Group, Universal Pictures, Nickelodeon, ZDF/ARTE, Deutsche Welle, and more. My work has been blessed with an array of awards, including two Africa Movie Academy Awards, the DEFA prize, the Robert Bosch Foundation Prize as well as recognitions from esteemed bodies like Amnesty International and United States Congress.I've passionately co-authored and contributed to industry-relevant publications including “Animation: A World History” by the late Ginnalberto Bendazzi. In addition, I've been actively involved in teaching animation within academic institutions, serving as a jury and selection committee member in diverse festivals, speaking at industry events, and curating film-related screenings. My dedication to the animation community has birthed impactful initiatives, including "The Animation Club Africa” (2010), "Shrinkfish Media Lab" (2013), Nigeria's pioneer animation course, "OpenToonz Animation Lab" (2015), "Motion to the Sound" (2022), and "Ani-JollyGIRLS" (2023).In 2022, I took a step into the world of EdTech and founded Spunky Toonz, a startup creating materials that nurture healthy, communal, and ecology-friendly mindsets in preschoolers and young children.Beyond animation, I'm also a seasoned web and UI designer, branding expert. I also own and run the art and ethnic fusion labels "Kalodei Berlin®" and "Olomenka®."Early 2024, I became a member of the "Diaspora Advisory Board" of BMZ, implemented by GiZ