Akada Children’s Book Festival Inspires Young Readers, Celebrates Literary Excellence

The 8th Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) in Lagos brought together more than 1,700 children, parents, educators, authors, illustrators, and book enthusiasts. The event underscored the growing significance of literacy development and the promotion of African storytelling among young readers. Considered Nigeria’s premier and largest book festival specifically curated for children, the ACBF offered a wide array of literary, educational, and creative activities designed to foster a love for reading and learning.

Under the theme 'Big Dreams, Brave Stories,' the festival showcased 25 original children's books penned by Nigerian authors, both domestically and internationally. Attendees participated in six book chats, two young authors’ panels, five parents’ workshops, seven children’s workshops, two illustration workshops, and two animation workshops. Beyond book readings and storytelling sessions, children and families engaged in interactive activities such as scrabble and chess tournaments, STEM exercises, sensory play, and SIP-and-paint sessions, all aimed at stimulating curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking.

A key moment of the festival was the presentation of the Akada Children’s Book Festival Children’s Book of the Year Award. Pelumi Nubi’s "Lumi Drives from London to Lagos" received the 2026 award, recognizing excellence in children’s publishing and storytelling. Other accolades included awards for writing to Enifome Uyoyou-Agha and Aiden Johnson, for illustration to Sorcha Fischer, and for the chess tournament to Edward Peculiar.

Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, Convener of the ACBF and a renowned children's author, explained that the festival was established to address the scarcity of meaningful and culturally relevant books for children. She stated, "The Akada Children’s Book Festival was created out of a clear need to address the gap in children’s access to books that are not only available, but meaningful, relatable, and reflective of their lived experiences." She expressed hope that the festival would inspire more children to read, encourage greater parental involvement in education, and motivate writers and illustrators to continue telling African stories with pride and excellence.

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the Akada Children’s Book Festival was created out of a clear need to address the gap in children’s access to books that are not only available, but meaningful, relatable, and reflective of their lived experiences.