The convener of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) in Lagos, Mrs Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, has stated that the festival has helped revive the moribund reading culture among children in Nigeria, promoting national cohesion and security.
The renowned author said the festival, the first and largest Nigerian book festival explicitly curated for children, marked its biggest edition yet, with a multitude of schools in attendance, 34 authors and speakers, and 27 featured books; 14 workshops; 11 story time sessions; eight book readings; five book chats; and an array of engaging activities, all designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in young readers.
She said, “We are delighted by the incredible energy and enthusiasm that filled this year, the seventh edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival.
“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. At Akada Children’s Book Festival, we want every child to experience that sense of wonder and possibility—to see reading not as a task, but as an adventure waiting to unfold. Our goal is to keep building a generation that reads, creates, and tells the African story with pride.”
The festival also recognised excellence in children’s literature with three major awards presented during the event. Komtu, the Grumpy Chameleon, won Picture Book of the Year. The Water School by Ogbu Eme was named Early Reader Book of the Year. Meanwhile, Lola Shoneyin & KR Onimole received the Children’s Book of the Year Award for their biography of Tunde Onakoya, the Chess Champion.
Commenting on the recognition, Lola Shoneyin expressed her appreciation, noting that initiatives like the Akada Children’s Book Festival play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.
“Stories have the power to shape how children see themselves and what they believe is possible,” she said.
Award winner Tayo Oyetayo said, “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 Books Festival creates a platform that recognises and elevates these stories.”
