Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship 2026 | Apply for Cohort 1
Applications are open for the Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship (ACWAF) 2026, an initiative of the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF).
The fellowship is designed to support emerging writers, storytellers and spoken word artists from Northern Nigeria by equipping them with creative writing, civic storytelling and advocacy skills.
The 6–8-week hybrid programme will provide participants with training in creative nonfiction, policy framing, editorial ethics, fact-checking and multimedia narrative techniques. Participants will also learn how to use storytelling to promote discussions around governance, democracy, elections, voter rights and youth rights.
The physical component of the fellowship will take place in Kano State.
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Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship 2026 – Quick Facts
- Fellowship Name: Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship (ACWAF)
- Cohort: Cohort 1
- Host Organisation: Poetic Wednesdays Initiative
- Supporting Organisation: Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF)
- Duration: 6–8 weeks
- Programme Type: Hybrid
- Location: Kano State, Nigeria
- Eligible Applicants: Emerging writers, storytellers and aspiring advocates from Northern Nigeria
- Benefits: Training, mentorship, publication support, data stipends and networking opportunities
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
About the Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship
The Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship (ACWAF) is an initiative of the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF).
The fellowship aims to develop the creative writing and advocacy skills of emerging writers and storytellers from Northern Nigeria.
Through its 6–8-week hybrid programme, participants will receive practical training in creative nonfiction, civic storytelling, policy framing, editorial ethics, fact-checking and multimedia narrative techniques.
The programme will also focus on using creative storytelling as a tool for promoting civic engagement and advocating for issues affecting young people.
Some of the key themes the fellowship will address include governance, democracy, elections, voter rights and youth rights.
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Benefits of the Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship 2026
Selected participants will have access to the following benefits:
- Hybrid Training: Participants will receive structured training in creative writing, civic storytelling and advocacy.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Fellows will receive individual mentorship to develop their writing and storytelling abilities.
- Editorial and Publication Support: Participants will receive support in developing and publishing their creative work.
- Data Stipends: Fellows will receive data stipends to support their participation in the programme.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants will have opportunities to connect with other writers, advocates and relevant professionals.
Eligibility Requirements for the Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship
To be eligible for the Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be emerging writers or aspiring advocates from Northern Nigeria.
- Applicants should have an interest in creative writing, storytelling or spoken word performance.
- Applicants must be available to participate in the physical component of the programme in Kano State.
Note: The fellowship’s first cohort is exclusively open to applicants from Northern Nigeria.
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How to Apply for the Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship 2026
Interested and eligible applicants should complete the online application form through the official application link below.
Step 1: Visit the application portal.
Step 2: Complete the application form with the required information.
Step 3: Review your application to ensure that the information provided is accurate.
Step 4: Submit your application before the November 30, 2026 deadline.
Apply here
Important Notes
- The fellowship is exclusively open to emerging writers, storytellers and spoken word artists from Northern Nigeria.
- The programme will run for 6–8 weeks.
- The fellowship will be delivered through a hybrid format.
- The physical component will take place in Kano State.
- Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship?
The Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship (ACWAF) is a programme by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, designed to equip emerging writers and advocates from Northern Nigeria with creative writing and civic storytelling skills.
2. How long is the ACWAF fellowship?
The fellowship will run for 6–8 weeks.
3. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Emerging writers, storytellers, spoken word artists and aspiring advocates from Northern Nigeria can apply.
4. Where will the fellowship take place?
The programme will be delivered in a hybrid format, with its physical component taking place in Kano State.
5. What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Benefits include hybrid training, one-on-one mentorship, editorial and publication support, data stipends and networking opportunities.
6. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is November 30, 2026.
7. How can I apply?
Interested applicants can apply through the official online application form.
Our Take
The Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship presents an opportunity for emerging writers and storytellers in Northern Nigeria to develop their creative writing and advocacy skills.
Beyond the training, the one-on-one mentorship, editorial support and networking opportunities could help participants improve their storytelling abilities and build connections within the creative and advocacy sectors.
If you are interested in creative nonfiction, spoken word, civic storytelling or youth advocacy, this fellowship is worth considering.
Conclusion
The Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship (ACWAF) 2026 offers emerging writers and aspiring advocates from Northern Nigeria an opportunity to develop practical skills in creative writing, storytelling and advocacy.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before November 30, 2026.