Joyce Onwuka
The Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), Nigeria’s first and largest book festival dedicated exclusively to children, has further reaffirmed its commitment to promoting literacy, showcasing works of indigenous authors, and encouraging widespread engagement with children’s literature at its recently concluded sixth edition. Held at the UPBEAT Centre in Lekki on October 26th, 2024, the festival welcomed over 1,315 attendees, highlighting its pivotal role in nurturing young minds and reinforcing the importance of literacy and cultural heritage in Nigeria.
This year’s festival, themed “Read Your Way,” showcased 29 original children’s books created by Nigerian authors both locally and internationally. In addition to book readings, the festival featured storytime sessions, book chats and book exhibitions, allowing children to meet their favorite authors and discover new titles. Engaging activities included a chess tournament, a STEM exhibition, sip and paint sessions, a sensory play area, arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles, word games and an art exhibition, all providing opportunities for children to express their creativity. Insightful sessions for parents and teachers offered guidance on supporting children’s literacy development, while professional workshops for writers created a platform for adults to learn and grow in their careers. This year’s festival featured three theatrical performances and heralded the winner of the first Akada Children’s Book Festival Children’s Book of the Year Award.
Commenting on this year’s festival, Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, renowned author and convener of the Akada Children’s Book Festival said, “At the Akada Children’s Book Festival, we are inspired by the impact of bringing children, authors, and educators together to celebrate the beauty and power of stories. This year, with over 1,300 young readers, parents, and educators joining us, we’ve deepened our commitment to making children’s literature accessible, vibrant, and reflective of all young readers. Seeing children connect with stories that represent their experiences and heritage is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to continue expanding these opportunities for young minds to explore, learn, and dream. Each activity, from the dramatic presentations to the creative workshops, was crafted to ignite a lifelong love for reading and cultural pride. We are thrilled by the response and look forward to furthering this enriching journey.”
A significant highlight of ACBF 2024 was the inaugural ‘Akada Children’s Book Festival Children’s Book of the Year’ Award, presented to renowned author Lola Shoneyin for her picture book, Anyibo and the Mother Hen. Speaking on the recognition, Shoneyin expressed, “It brings me immense joy to be part of an event that celebrates and uplifts our stories. It was important for me to ensure every child is represented—not just middle-class children, but also those from humble backgrounds who are experiencing the real struggles of existing and surviving in today’s world. I want these children to feel seen, to know their stories matter, and to envision a future in which they can thrive.”
Other activities included celebration of new talent with competitions — Moyinoluwa won the illustration prize, and Tijani Hameeda took first place in the writing contest. There was also a Young Authors’ Panel with Seyi Odewoye, author of Nala Am I Black and Proud and Omotorera Agun, author of The Marvellous Cat and Other Stories; a theme song competition in which students from Grange School won the coveted Best Performance prize; a book chat with students from Leap for Joy School; and a drama performance by Kunbi’s Music.
Supported by IweMi, NIBSS, PepsiCo, UPBEAT, STEM-METs, The Mobile Spa, Starfield Montessori School, Paelon Memorial Hospital, among others, the annual festival continues to be a must-attend event for anyone passionate about children’s literature and literacy, celebrating the power of stories in connecting and inspiring people of all ages.
