Akada Festival to Promote Reading Culture, Showcase Indigenous Authors , ,
Funmi Ogundare
Nigeria’s first and largest children’s book festival, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) is set to hold its seventh edition on October 25, at the UPBEAT Recreation Centre, Lekki, Lagos.
Themed, ‘Book An Adventure’, the festival is aimed at promoting literacy and nurturing a lifelong love of reading among children while providing a platform for indigenous authors, diverse stories, and inclusive learning.
Since its launch in 2019, ACBF has drawn more than 10,000 attendees and donated over 5,000 books to expand access to quality reading materials.
Speaking on this year’s theme, convener and renowned author, Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, explained that the festival invites children to see reading as a doorway to imagination, knowledge and culture. “Adventure lies at the heart of every great story, and this year, we want children to discover reading as a doorway to endless possibilities. ‘Book An Adventure’ is more than a theme, it’s an invitation for young readers to explore knowledge, culture, and imagination,” she stated.
The 2025 edition will feature author-led book readings, book chats, story time, exhibitions, a chess tournament, a young authors’ spotlight, as well as workshops for parents, teachers, writers, illustrators and publishers. More than 20 original children’s books will be showcased, including, ‘The Invincible Will’ by Amadi Njoku; ‘Bisola and the Colourful Jars’ by Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida; ‘The Magical Market of Maraba’ by Solape Azazi; ‘The Water School’ by Ogbu Eme; and ‘The Boy Who Grew Backwards’ by Kanyisola Balogun-Kuku.
Some of the authors lauded the festival’s impact on childhood literacy. Eme described ACBF as “a well-tended nursery where every child can bloom,” while Azazi said it reminds the world that “every child deserves to see themselves in a story, and to know that their voice belongs in the world.”
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, Education Archives – THISDAYLIVE, September 17, 2025, 1:03 am
