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

Funmi Ogundare

More than 1,700 children, parents, educators, authors, illustrators and book enthusiasts converged on Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic, Lagos, for the 8th edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), which underscored the growing importance of literacy development and the promotion of African storytelling among young readers.

The festival, regarded as Nigeria’s first and largest book festival curated specifically for children, featured a broad range of literary, educational and creative activities designed to inspire a love for reading and learning.

Themed,’ Big Dreams, Brave Stories’,  the event showcased 25 original children’s books written by Nigerian authors based both within and outside the country. Participants engaged 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 participated in interactive activities including scrabble and chess tournaments, STEM exercises, sensory play sessions, SIP-and-paint experiences and other hands-on creative engagements aimed at stimulating curiosity, imagination and critical thinking.

A major highlight of the festival was the presentation of the Akada Children’s Book Festival Children’s Book of the Year Award. Lumi Drives from London to Lagos by Pelumi Nubi emerged winner of the 2026 edition, in recognition of excellence in children’s publishing and storytelling.

Other award recipients included Enifome Uyoyou-Agha and Aiden Johnson, who won the writing competition; Sorcha Fischer, winner of the illustration competition; and Edward Peculiar, who clinched the chess tournament title.

Speaking on the significance of the festival, Convener of the Akada Children’s Book Festival and renowned children’s author, Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, noted that the initiative was established to address the gap in children’s access to meaningful and culturally relevant books.

According to her, “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.

“From the beginning, our mission has been to build a strong reading culture among children in Nigeria by creating a space where stories, imagination and learning come together. Each year, we return with renewed purpose, and this eighth edition is no different.”

She expressed optimism that the festival would inspire more children to embrace reading, encourage greater parental involvement in learning and motivate writers and illustrators to continue telling African stories with pride and excellence.

The event featured readings from several children’s books, including ‘ Iwa’: Short Stories About Character by Zansi Adebowale, ‘Sleepy Guppy Says Bedtime Must Wait’, by Adebola Rayo, ‘What Happened On Thursday?’ by Ayo Oyeku, Kachi and the ‘River Guard ‘, by Amarachukwu Chimeka, ‘Lumi Drives From London To Lagos’, by Pelumi Nubi, and ‘Sim Sim Goes To The Salon’, by Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie.

The festival also provided a platform for emerging literary talents through dedicated Young Authors’ Panels featuring Achiever Omotoso, Oluwatoke Aduradola, Tiwatope Oloye and Chimziterem Iloh.

Attendees were further entertained with theatrical performances, puppet shows and an exclusive first reading of Dunoma the Brave by acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin, alongside appearances by leading children’s authors and storytellers.