SprinNG Fellowship - August 2018 Mentees
​My mentor, Kanyinsola Olorunnisola was very detail-oriented and showed good insight about poetry. I enjoyed his critique and explanation, they really helped me to step back and review my work; I put myself in the shoes of a reader. I really value the materials he gave and the amazing world of previously unknown poets he introduced me to.
The SprinNG Fellowship was clearly articulated; from exploring different modes of virtual communication to the program outline included with assignments and feedback. Even the flexibility to extend the programme was commendable.
Through the programme, I worked with novel styles therefore, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I feel more confident as a writer because I was able to see some of my flaws and improve on them. I'm definitely better off than when I started the programme. ​
- Nesochi Alfred-Igbokwe
My mentor Seun Lari-Willams was very understanding. He engaged and studied my work. Through his guidance, I learned more about literature, became conscious about my use of punctuation, redefined my long-term goals, built up confidence in my work and became true to myself.
The review Seun gave on my works made me understand that with more effort, my writing skills will improve.
- Woli Bukola Kafilah
It may seem like I am singing praise songs yet it is the truth. My Mentor, Mr. Badiru Kehinde is another “best, picked out from the best”. He sure knows how to encourage and he is quite knowledgeable. He also possesses a unique intellectual command that does not only draw your attention but fine tunes anyone who is willing to learn. 
With the help of the programme and my mentor, I developed my sentence construction and became conscious of my use of punctuations. I improved in my writing(s).
- Emmanuel Thompson Ekere
My mentor, Lucas Ogundeyi made this programme worthwhile for me. When the programme was about to commence, I hoped for a mentor who would understand and tolerate my works. When I was paired with him, I was tensed initially because I felt he wouldn't tolerate my works, but it was totally the opposite. He was always ready to give answers to my questions, constructive feedback and ways that I could improve. He also introduced me to great books like Salt, and Milk and honey. He was dedicated to my learning.
The SprinNG Fellowship was well-planned; from the programme outline to the task designated for each week, the downloadable PDFs that mentees could access, and means of communication with mentors and SprinNG staff. I commend the organizers for creating this platform for unpublished writers.
- Ugochukwu Damian Okpara
There's no better mentor I could have wished for than Shoola Ifeoluwa. She continually put in her best into helping me realize my dreams. She squeezed in mentorship sessions between tight schedules and fought through the obstacle of time difference. She was a mother, and what better teacher is there than a mother? There's no better way to say it!
In this little time I spent as Ifeoluwa's mentee, my writing has taken a new turn. I very much enjoyed writing the assignments and what I enjoyed most were the conversations my mentor and I had. Listening to my mentor, spurred the learner in me.
Meeting Shoola Ifeoluwa, along with the other members of SprinNG team is one of the best things that has happened to me.
- Sanni F. Oluwatimileyin
My mentor, Olanrewaju Oranyeli, is a very diligent one. He was more than a mentor, who gave his best and walked me through new insights, knowledge and skills of creative writing. He is one to greatly commend you when you meet up with expectations and one to also pull you back when you are diving below expectations. His approach made it easy for me to be able to speak to him on any challenge I faced and I always looked forward to every session and every feedback. When I told him I would like to write like him, he said "No, I want you to be able to write better than me." This endeared me more to him, I must admit. He was willing to share knowledge, resources, and tips that would aid my writing career. Every second with him was a value I knew I wouldn't get anywhere else. It was indeed difficult coming to terms with the fact that the programme was at its end. I couldn't have had it in any other way. 
​The mentorship programme was indeed a very beautiful and enlightening experience. Thank you SprinNG! 
-Zaynab Mohammed
My mentor, Sarah Aluko is a genius and very patient. We connected immediately. She praised and corrected my work in the kindest and most professional way. On the first day she said to me "I can see from your poem that you love Warsan Shire, but I want to hear your own voice" and I realized that I wanted to hear my own voice too. I couldn't ask for a better mentor. 
The organizers of this program did a wonderful job. It was well coordinated and I was pleasantly surprised. It's no joke how difficult organizing programmes like this is in Nigeria, especially virtually. 
So kudos to the SprinNG team.
- Maryam Saeed Otuh
My mentor, Abdulsalam Abdul Dante remains a blessing to me. He taught me with love and enthusiasm. I always thought this programme was going to be so official that it would be hard for me to express myself, but my mentor, Dante, taught me under a cool and funny environment and I learnt a lot from it. He was always willing to listen to my questions and answer in a detailed manner no matter how foolish I thought they sounded. He always had positive remarks for all my works and this boosted my confidence in my write ups. He was patient with me, especially with my punctuation and he would tell me to go back and write a work if it wasn't good enough. There were times when I didn't submit my tasks in time, he would wait and disturb me until I did. 
He helped me explore myself. I tried rhymes which I had never done before the programme. He's a passionate person. From him, I've learnt patience and how to give positive remarks. I'm more than glad he was my mentor.
- Elizabeth Oluwaferanmi Olojede
My mentor, Oyindamola Shoola really took her time to work with me. She didn't mentor me because she needed to or was obligated to. I saw in her the passion and dedication to see me learn, grow and excel.
She took time to teach me and I can't forget the simple example she gave on the use of comma and semi-colon. She studied what I cared about in writing and even recommended books that I should read. 
The confidence she instilled in me tops the chart of things I gained.  She motivated me to start a blog, submit my write-ups to websites and to apply for competitions. 
I really appreciate the organisers of this programme.
- Folakemi Adufe Jolaoso
I am grateful for the opportunity to have Mr. Tola Ijalusi's guidance during the SprinNG Fellowship. The time spent learning from him proved to be a profitable investment and a boost in my writing career. Mr. Tola Ijalusi is a writer who knows his craft well and is excited to teach it to others. He is very respectful and patient, and he offers encouragement all the time. He also knows how to make one to perform better without one feeling pushed to do so.
In my previous attempts at reviewing books, I wasn't very sure what to do. But now, I know what to do when reviewing a book. I learnt how to write book reviews to meet literary standards and gained knowledge on the importance of reading vastly as a book reviewer. Tola Ijalusi informed me about the need to network with other people in the writing field by attending literary events, and how to establish one's presence through literary magazines and journals.
- Olubola Alamu
The SprinNG Fellowship is a welcome change. I strongly feel that if more writers in Nigeria, Africa were exposed to opportunities like this, they would love writing better. Enough thought was put into this programme. This shows in how well-organized the SprinNG staff were and how professional our mentors were too. 
My mentor Mosobalaje M. Abimbola is a great teacher who is patient, kind, and gives words of encouragement, praise and reprimand when needed. I really value and appreciate all that I have learnt so far. I believe that the programme provided the next level for me because among many improvements, I became better in the content organization of my ideas, use of imageries, and figures of speech.
- Jegede Onozasi Glory ​
When the programme started, I was at a place where I wasn’t writing poetry. I was rusty and I sent my mentor, Christtie Jay, two cheesy poems that I couldn’t even accept from myself but she took the time to read and make corrections.
Looking back, my mentor's work and feedback on those cheesy poems is one of the things that encouraged me to go deeper and write from a place that is true. I really appreciate Christtie Jay's mentorship and enjoyed her style. She made the programme interesting and challenging, but in a friendly and relaxed manner. 
The SprinNG Fellowship helped me to rediscover my love for poetry. Particularly, the biography writing exercise was very helpful because I never put much thought into writing my biography. Looking at my previous biography and what I have now, I see improvements. 
- Olakitan Aladesuyi
The first seven months of the year were quite bland for me as far as literature was concerned, thus getting shortlisted for this programme was the spice my literary life needed.
I am sincerely grateful to the organizers of this program and to my mentor, Ayoola Goodness. I was quite elated when I saw my mentor's name as I had glanced through his debut poetry collection. I appreciate my mentor's patience and perseverance. I thank him for working with my busy schedule and dishing out so much knowledge in so little time.
With my mentor's support, I learnt more about punctuation and its effect. My understanding of figures of speech increased amazingly and I also explored the variety of spatial poetry. He shared enough materials that I haven't finished reading yet. I wish there was a bigger word than thank you.
- Emmanuel Faith ​
I'm grateful for the efforts put in to make the SprinNG Fellowship successful and for the fact that it was done voluntarily by each mentor.
My mentor, Oyindamola, was very generous with the information about opportunities and she shared a wealth of knowledge. She understood me clearly and explained much of what I asked to my understanding. I would love to stick with her beyond this mentorship programme.
I would recommend the SprinNG Fellowship to anyone who is interested.
- Gabrielina Gabriel-Abhiele
I believe that enough thought was put into the SprinNG Fellowship because the aspects of writing covered are vital and important especially to young writers; why we write, what to write, and how best to write it. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this great experience and I hope the programme continues so other writers can benefit from it. 
Additionally, it is hard to believe that my mentor, Patience Lawal and I started communicating just about one month ago. She welcomed me and took me under her wings so warmly that expressing my thoughts and concerns to her was never an issue. 
I won't forget her patience and candor. She always made time to teach and guide me. She taught me the importance of candidness as a writer; owning my thoughts. I was able to work on improving my narrative techniques to a great extent. I really appreciate Patience for being my guide through the SprinNG Fellowship. Every time I read some of our mails again, I pick up something new that helps me. Our conversations and chats will always provide continuous learning for improvement. The memories with my mentor, Patience and lessons will last a lifetime.
- ​Esieboma Oghenerobo Joy
The SprinNG Fellowship has been a great deal for me and I am very pleased to have been a part of it. I am more grateful to my mentor, Damilola Popoola for giving all his attention and time to teach me despite his hectic schedule. If I would be fortunate to be part of this programme again, I would love to still be his mentee.
Damilola helped me realize the basic things about writing that I wasn’t aware of. He made corrections where necessary and listened to my questions which he was always prepared to answer.
My writing has improved drastically and there’s more life in it now. I used to have a problem with my writing structure but with support from the programme and my mentor, I have seen a lot of improvement.
- Unah Rosemary Gabriel
The SprinNG Fellowship gave me a sense of accountability and motivated me to place high importance on my writing(s). 
My mentor, Kizito Okorowu provided detailed feedback and didn't hold back any knowledge he thought would be beneficial to me. His lessons were simple and I was comfortable enough with Kizito to share my fears as writer. 
With my mentor's support, my writing is now concise and clear. I learned to readily embrace the perspectives of other writers and I am more open minded to receive criticisms. I am also more confident to put out more of my work and share my opinions. 
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. It has helped me in a tremendous way and I look forward to sharing my successes with the SprinNG team. Thank you.
- Uduak-Estelle Akpan
I think that the SprinNG Fellowship was well thought out, considering that the management achieved their goals while carrying the participants along at every inch of the way without glitches. There were no lapses or delays on the path of the organisers and management. 
My mentor, Kanyinsola Olorunnisola did a great job and I experienced a positive change from my commitment to the programme. I can safely say that I have learnt a few things to make my writing better. Sharing a few articles with my mentor has helped me to improve my punctuation. I got tips on writing better dialogues and creating a biography. I also received general advice on constructing flash fiction.
- ​Olakunbi Olatunde
My mentor Jacob Pamilerin is a genius. His diligence, patience and eagerness to teach/mentor made the experience a highly enjoyable one for me. He took his time to teach me the different techniques/skills to writing. Even on the days when I was unavoidably absent and busy, he was patient and understanding. I can tell you how good a mentor Jacob was, but if you want to see it, just check my Instagram page for the poems I wrote before the program and the ones I wrote after. You will see for yourself.
The programme boosted my confidence as a writer and I am now continuously on a writing spree. I have started sending my poems to local journals and signing up for competitions. I can now write lengthier poems and I understand the importance of narratives; how to use certain words to conjure imagery, evoke emotions and a host of many others.
- ​Christtie Jay 

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