Athena Writing Fellowship

Empowering African voices through innovative writing education and community building. This fellowship is a product of WriteHelp NG, a subsidiary of Communicado Consulting

Our Story

WriteHelp NG was founded with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a thriving ecosystem where African writers can develop their craft, share their stories, and build sustainable careers, while also helping personal and corporate brands communicate their relevance.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by writers across Africa and the diaspora—from limited access to quality writing education to the lack of culturally relevant mentorship—we set out to bridge these gaps through innovative online programmes and community building.

The Athena Writing Fellowship is a follow-up to The Draft Room, and it is ßdesigned to nurture the next generation of writers.

Community of Writers

Our Mission

To provide accessible, high-quality writing education and mentorship that empowers emerging writers to tell their stories authentically and build thriving literary careers.

Our Vision

A world where stories are celebrated globally, and every writer has the tools, community, and opportunities to share their unique voice.

Our Core Values

Inclusivity

We welcome writers from all backgrounds, experience levels, and genres, creating a safe space for diverse voices and perspectives.

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards in our curriculum, mentorship, and community support to ensure meaningful growth for every participant.

Community

We believe in the power of collective growth, fostering connections that extend far beyond our programmes.

Cultural Pride

We celebrate emerging voices and encourage writers to draw from their cultural roots while engaging with global literary traditions.

Our Distinguished Board Members

Adeseun Adewole

Print Media & Publishing Expert

Publishing and packaging executive with 15+ years in printing, branding, and corporate communications. Co-Managing Director at Vision International Products Limited.

Yousuph Adebayo Grey

Journalist & Digital Creator

Multi-award-winning journalist and digital creator; youngest Head of Station at Agidigbo 88.7 FM and founder of The Film Conversation. Known for storytelling across music, film, and the arts.

Lekan Otufodunrin

Journalist & Media Veteran

Media career development specialist with 35+ years in the Nigerian media. Executive Director at Media Career Development Network; former senior editor at The Nation and The Punch; author and fellow of Thomson Foundation, Poynter Institute, and Bloomberg Africa.

Mary Hampshire

Public Relations Consultant

PR consultant specialising in education sector communications—profile building, media relations, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement for schools, colleges, and charities.

Oluseyi Awojulugbe O.

Finance Journalist & Data Analyst

Finance journalist, fact-checker, and data analyst; senior analyst at SBM Intelligence and contributor to TheCable Petrobarometer. Reported from IMF/World Bank meetings; African Fact-Checking Awards finalist.

Azeez Òkéyalé

Communications Strategist & Editor

Azeez Òkéyalé has over 10 years of 360º experience in personal and corporate brand communication, executing PR and media strategies for high-net-worth individuals and companies.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

WriteHelp NG is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all writers can thrive, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.

Accessibility: We provide scholarships and flexible payment options to ensure financial barriers don't prevent participation.

Diversity: We actively seek writers from all African countries, diaspora communities, and underrepresented groups.

Language: While our primary language is English, we celebrate multilingual writers and encourage code-switching and linguistic diversity.

Safe Space: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and ensure all participants feel respected and valued.

Ready to Join Our Community?

Whether you're applying for the fellowship or just want to connect, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Now Get in Touch