Chude Jideonwo as guest speaker at the valedictory session of the inaugural T.O.WN, Tolu Ogunlesi Writing Network, a highly competitive writing fellowship that received over 500 applications and selected just 20 fellows from across Nigeria. The programme, founded by Tolu Ogunlesi, MON, former Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, was created to nurture a new generation of writers, communicators, and storytellers committed to clarity, craft, and public impact.
Over seven months, fellows engaged in an intensive journey of mentorship, assignments, critical feedback, and growth, guided by accomplished facilitators across media, policy, and storytelling. The fellowship created a rare space for disciplined learning and honest reflection, affirming storytelling not just as talent, but as responsibility. The valedictory session shows both an ending and a beginning of a moment to recognise the work done and the voices now stepping forward.
At the closing session, Chude shares personal reflections from his decades-long journey as a writer, storyteller, and media entrepreneur. Speaking directly to the fellows, he offered practical wisdom on sustaining a writing life, trusting one’s voice through rejection, and understanding the power of stories to shape culture, policy, and personal healing. The conversation served as a fitting close to the programme which reminded the cohort that their selection was not accidental, and that their voices, sharpened through the fellowship, now carry weight, responsibility, and possibility.
