Akada Children's Book Festival Returns for Its Sixth Edition, Championing Children's Literacy in Nigeria

The Akada Children's Book Festival (ACBF), Nigeria's largest book festival dedicated to children, is set to host its sixth edition on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos. The annual event aims to spotlight local authors and promote children's engagement with literature, fostering a love for reading among young audiences.

Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in nurturing a strong reading culture. According to the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, four out of ten primary school children struggle with reading comprehension. Additionally, a 2023 UNICEF report reveals that 75% of Nigerian children aged 7 to 14 are unable to read simple sentences.

This year's theme, "Read Your Way," emphasizes the importance of promoting literacy and inspiring children under the age of 13 to develop a lifelong love for reading. The festival will feature a wide range of interactive activities designed to engage young readers.

Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, author and founder of the ACBF, highlighted the festival’s importance, stating, "The Akada Children's Book Festival is a platform for showcasing literary works that reflect the experiences of Nigerian children. Previously, many children’s books available were imported, featuring cultures different from our own. This lack of representation can lead children to feel disconnected from their heritage. ACBF provides stories where children can see themselves in the protagonists and relate to their daily lives. It has become a growing space for diverse authors, and I’m excited to see more stories that resonate with Nigerian children."

The ACBF continues to be a driving force in encouraging children's literacy and promoting stories that reflect local culture and experiences.

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.''

In addition to the literary highlights, the festival will feature workshops and sessions led by experts designed to help children develop literacy, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. A special guest appearance by Atinuke, the acclaimed author of the Anna Hibiscus series and Baby Goes to Market, is highly anticipated. Her beloved books are bestsellers in both the UK and the US, and her presence promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees.

Since its inception in 2019, the Akada Children's Book Festival (ACBF) has attracted over 8,500 attendees, becoming a must-attend event for anyone passionate about children's literature and literacy. The festival organisers have donated more than 4,206 books to date, further contributing to the mission of improving access to books. Beyond sparking children's interest in African stories and authors, ACBF also empowers parents and educators to recognize the importance of nurturing a love for reading, reading aloud together, and writing African stories for the next generation.