Kehinde Adeleye
The Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), the first and largest Nigerian book festival dedicated exclusively for children, is set to return to Lagos for its sixth edition on Saturday, 26 October, 2024.
Scheduled to be held at UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos, the annual event provides a platform for the work of indigenous authors and encourages widespread engagement in children’s books and literature.
According to the National Commission For Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, Nigeria faces challenges in promoting reading culture.
Data from the commission indicates that a four out of ten portion primary school children struggle with reading comprehension.
A 2023 United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) report further highlights this issue, stating that 75 percent of Nigerian children aged 7 to 14 cannot read simple sentences.
This year’s theme, “Read Your Way,” emphasises the importance of promoting literacy and fostering a reading culture among children aged 13 and below. By providing engaging activities and experiences, the ACBF aims to inspire young readers and encourage lifelong love of reading.
Speaking on the significance of the festival, Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, renowned author and convener of the Akada Children’s Book Festival said, “The Akada Children’s Book Festival showcases literary works created for a diverse audience of children. Previously, most children’s books available were imported and predominantly featured cultures different from our own. This led me to consider that if our kids are only exposed to books set in other cultures, they might start to feel there is something wrong with their own culture and the people who look like them.
“In response, I began writing books featuring protagonists who look like children in this environment, placing them in adventures and settings similar to those our children experience every day. The Akada Children’s Book Festival was born from this initiative and has since grown into a platform for showcasing various authors. I am thrilled to see an increasing number of people writing for children and we love seeing them engage with stories that reflect their own experiences and perspectives”
The 2024 Akada Children’s Book Festival promises a diverse range of activities, including author-led book readings, book chats, featured titles story time, book exhibitions, and the announcement of winners from the annual writing and illustration competitions.
Attendees can also enjoy a chess tournament, sip and paint sessions, an art exhibition, and a spotlight on young authors featuring readings and Q&A sessions.
Insightful sessions will be available for parents and teachers, alongside professional workshops tailored for writers, illustrators, and publishers.
New to this year’s festival is a Yoruba-Themed Story Time, featuring traditional Yoruba stories, storytelling techniques, and cultural activities.
This year’s festival will feature 32 original children’s books created by Nigerians home and abroad.
Notable titles include Captain of Aster by Nnenna Ochiche; Iya Alaro Saves The Day by Yewande Amusan & Aduke Gomez; Ada and The Emir by Nkechi Anya; An African Christmas with Queenie & King by Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze; Toru and The Mango Seed by Omolara Cookey; Obafemi Alakara and The Bush Babies by Kayode O. Sinmidele Valentine; A School Trip Like No Other by Jacqueline U Agweh; The Magic Jalabiya by Ayo Oyeku, and Terrified Not by Farida Tukur Bello, among others.
Commenting on the festival, Nnenna Ochiche, author of Captain of Aster stated, “The festival serves as a vibrant platform for authors of African origin, offering them a unique opportunity to reach wider audiences and build their readership. Through the Akada Children’s Book Festival, many authors have gained significant recognition. As the festival continues to support authors, it also places a strong emphasis on children’s learning. Recognizing that children learn best through play, the festival creates a safe and engaging environment filled with relatable characters and engaging sessions. By providing carefully curated content that is both child-friendly and educational, the festival not only celebrates literature but also fosters a love of reading among young readers.’
“You are not born knowing your history, you have to be told it by elders and people who have studied it. When we read, we learn the habits of wherever the author is from. It is great to know what people do in other places, but it is also important to understand where we are from,” said Aduke Gomez, author of Iya Alaro Saves The Day.
She continued, “Children’s books are the foundation of learning, and with a platform like Akada Children’s Book Festival, we can nurture a love for reading while showcasing stories that reflect our rich African heritage.”
