The seventh edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) drew thousands of children, parents, teachers, and literary enthusiasts to UPBEAT Recreation Centre, Lekki, Lagos, celebrating the transformative power of reading and storytelling in shaping young minds.
Founder and convener, Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, used the event to reaffirm her commitment to nurturing a generation of young Africans who not only read widely but also write creatively and confidently tell their own stories. According to a statement shared on Thursday, Talabi described reading as “an adventure that fuels curiosity and imagination in children.”
“We are delighted by the incredible energy and enthusiasm that filled this year’s festival,” she said. “The theme, Book an Adventure, reminds us that every story opens a new door of discovery. Books give children the courage to imagine, to dream, and to explore worlds beyond their own. Our goal is to keep building a generation that reads, creates, and tells the African story with pride.”
Record Attendance and Diverse Programming
This year’s festival marked its largest turnout since its launch in 2019, attracting over 1,500 attendees. The event featured 34 authors and speakers, 27 highlighted books, 14 workshops, 11 storytime sessions, eight book readings, and five book chats. Children from schools across Lagos, alongside parents and teachers, participated in a vibrant mix of activities designed to ignite curiosity and creativity.
The festival’s theme, Book an Adventure, celebrated reading as a portal to imagination, history, culture, and self-discovery, emphasizing the critical role of storytelling in shaping perspectives and encouraging children to explore bold ideas about the world. Workshops on animation, illustration, and visual storytelling provided practical opportunities for participants to learn how books are crafted, expanding their understanding of literature beyond words on a page.
Recognising Excellence in Children’s Literature
In addition to its educational programmes, the festival continued its tradition of celebrating excellence in Nigerian children’s literature through awards. ‘Komtu, the Grumpy Chameleon’ by Tayo Oyetayo won Picture Book of the Year, while ‘The Water School’ by Ogbu Eme received the Early Reader Book of the Year award.
Speaking after receiving his award, Oyetayo praised the festival for amplifying the visibility of children’s authors. “My goal is to carefully craft a world in my children’s books where every child sees themselves reflected in the pages. The Akada Children’s Book Festival creates a platform that recognises and elevates these stories,” he said.
Ogbu Eme, whose award-winning book explores environmental themes for young readers, also expressed gratitude. “Being honoured at Akada affirms that stories for children matter deeply. It encourages writers like us to keep creating narratives that inspire and educate the next generation,” he noted.
Expanding Access to Reading and Cultural Engagement
Since its inception, the ACBF has become a cornerstone for children’s literature in Nigeria, attracting over 10,160 attendees and donating more than 5,000 books to schools and community libraries. The festival not only promotes literacy but also equips parents and educators with tools to nurture reading habits at home and in classrooms.
By offering a visible platform for Nigerian authors and illustrators, the festival helps cultivate a thriving literary ecosystem that celebrates African stories and creativity.
Books as Gateways to Imagination
As the festival concluded, one message resonated clearly: books are more than just pages—they are gateways to imagination, creativity, and cultural identity. Through the Akada Children’s Book Festival, Acada Books continues to shape a future where children do not merely consume stories, but create and own them, carrying forward the legacy of African storytelling for generations to come.