Afenyo-Markin demonstrated maturity in avoiding blows in Parliament – Political Scientist

Science and Health

The Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin showed leadership and maturity in Parliament last Tuesday when he called his side to step out of the chamber after National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers occupied their seats in Parliament, a Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has said.Dr Zaato indicated that Ghanaians were concerned that they were going to witness brawls in Parliament again hence the action of Afeny-Markin was commendable.“Afenyo-Markin saved the country from that spectacle, he demonstrated maturity and decorum by pulling his forces back, he demonstrated maturity,” Dr Zato said on the Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, October 26.It is recalled that Afenyo-Markin indicated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a law-abiding party and, therefore, will at all times act within the framework of the law.The NPP lawmakers therefore retreated to their offices from the chamber of parliament an awaited the speaker to arrive to commence proceedings.BackgroundOn Tuesday, October 22, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament occupied the side of the Majority despite the Supreme Court ruling that stayed the execution of the ruling of the speaker in declaring the four seats vacant.Addressing a press conference at Parliament on Tuesday, October 22, he said “We are law-abiding, we have heard that our colleagues say they disagreed with the Supreme Court, using unprinted words on the Supreme Court. Ato Forson led the Minority caucus where they told Ghanaians that today they will come and occupy our seats by their own proclamation. NPP, our tradition is a law-abiding tradition, our forebearers always used the courts to correct the wrongs.“Our leaders had always used civil advocacy and the courts to ensure that we get the peace that we have today. The country is hereby informed that we will not give that lawless platform that NDC is seeking, we will not give them that theatre they so aggressively seek to destroy our democracy“We know there are innocent Ghanaians going about their business, academia, and those struggling, we care about them we understand that there is politics but we must do it in a civil manner. we believe that we should quietly yield to them and wait for Mr Speaker.“Mr Speaker has been part of democracy since 1992, he is a senior lawyer, and even if he disagrees with the Supreme Court he knows what to do. The nation is looking up to Mr Speaker…this is a crucial moment for him to add weight to what we have done to preserve the peace, NPP is for Peace. We will not allow anybody to disturb the peace of this country, it is a notorious fact that we remain the Majority caucus of this house. We are leaving this chamber to our office awaiting Mr Speaker. That lawless theater we will not share with them.”The Supreme Court on Friday, October 18 directed Parliament to recognise and allow the four MPs to continue to serve as lawmakers until the case is determined. This was after the Speaker had, on Thursday, October 17, declared four seats in Parliament vacant.The constituencies and the lawmakers are:1. Cynthia Morrison, the current NPP MP for Agona West constituency in the Central Region, who has filed to run as an independent candidate.2. Kwadwo Asante, the current NPP MP for the Suhum constituency in the Eastern Region, who has also filed to run as an independent candidate.3. Andrew Asiamah Amoako, currently an independent MP for the Fomena constituency in the Ashanti Region, who has filed to run in the upcoming election as a candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).4. Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), NDC.The former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu had petitioned the Speaker to declare the seats vacant by invoking Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution which stipulates that a lawmaker must vacate their seat if they leave the party under which they were elected or attempt to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate. The Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin had filed a suit at the Supreme Court against the petition filed by Haruna Iddrisu.But the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers said that they would stick to the ruling of the speaker declaring four seats vacant, a ruling that makes them the Majority in Parliament.This was despite the Supreme Court order that stayed the execution of the ruling of Speaker Alban Bagbin,Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Sunday, October 20, leader of the NDC lawmakers, Dr Cassiel Ato Foprson said that “We will jealously protect our new Majority status and will not bow, retreat nor surrender our lawfully earned status. We will also not abdicate our responsibility to the people no matter what! Nothing, absolutely nothing, will change this position!

Clovis FFA Veterinary Science team earns top 5 national ranking

Science and Health

CLOVIS, Calif (FOX26) — Members of the Clovis FFA Chapter can now add a national ranking to their resumes.The Clovis FFA Veterinary Science team placed in the top 5 in the nation this week at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis Indiana.The team consists of students Emma Smalley (Clovis North Student), Navraj Sanhan (Clovis East Student), Leanne Chavez (Clovis East Student), and Sofia Vizcarra (Clovis High student).The team placed 4th out of 46 teams.The team was chosen to represent California at the national contest when they won the State Championship this past spring.[RELATED]Clovis Community’s submersible robotics team wins world championship in TennesseeStudents in the contest answer veterinary knowledge questions, diagnose and explain treatment plans for the animals in scenarios, and answer medical math questions.The students also work together and then present their findings to a panel of judges.They had to work individually to answer veterinary knowledge questions, select equipment and tools, and demonstrate live restraint and clinical skills, said Clovis FFA Advisor and Coach of the team Jennifer Knight.“The scenarios are examples of real-world cases that they would handle in today’s veterinary practice said Knight.All of the Clovis FFA members are part of the Animal Science Career Technical Education Pathway.Sanhan, Chavez, and Vizcarra graduated in June but returned for the opportunity to compete at the national level.It’s a great experience to learn and travel with our teammates,” Chavez said.We had a blast and will have this memory for a lifetime, said ChavezThe Clovis FFA veterinary science team previously earned a national ranking in 2016.

Anglia Ruskin University’s MA in children’s book illustration attracts students from all over the world

Arts & Culture, Books

The MA in children’s book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) attracts students from all over the world – many of whom go on to win awards for their work. New Jersey-born Shelley Jackson is associate professor and course leader for the MA. Shelley Jackson. Picture: Richard Marsham Shelley, who moved from Austin, Texas, in…

Meet 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora

Arts & Culture, Books

A group of African women writers in the diaspora is significantly contributing to children’s literature. These authors draw upon their diverse experiences and backgrounds to create stories that resonate with young readers. Each writer brings a unique perspective shaped by their journeys across continents, addressing themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Their works not only entertain but also educate, providing children with insights into the richness of African heritage and the complexities of life in a globalised world. Through their narratives, they foster a sense of connection and understanding among children from various backgrounds, encouraging empathy and curiosity about different cultures.
Read also: 8 countries with the highest share of female managers – ILO data
Here are 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora, compiled by BusinessDay.
1. Vese Aghoghovbia

Vese is a Nigerian writer focused on empowering young people to love and believe in themselves. She founded Philly & Friends, a children’s brand supporting underprivileged children globally. Recognised as a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur by Natwest & The Telegraph, Vese also won the 2021 Consumer & Luxury Rising Star award from the Black British Business Awards.
A Chartered Engineer with over ten years in strategy and operations, she has worked in FTSE-100 firms and the Baby & Child industry. Vese has spoken on platforms like the BBC and contributed to HuffPost Parent and Mother Mag. She lives in England with her family.
2. Olamidotun Votu-Obada

Olamidotun is the founder and lead author of Inspire HQ. She is a senior executive, social entrepreneur, children’s book author, speaker, and podcast host. Olamidotun created the Be Inspired Book Series, which includes titles such as Be Inspired By MKO, Be Inspired By Fela, and Be Inspired By Me Picture Book. In 2024, Be Inspired By MKO was presented to the Canadian Prime Minister, her books promote diversity and inclusion. Her books have received several awards, including two acknowledgements from the Ontario Government in 2024, and Olamidotun was listed as one of the “50 Most Inspiring Women” in 2019.
With a background in Business Economics and International Financial Economics from the University of Warwick and the University of Reading, Olamidotun has worked in management consultancy and business advisory, collaborating with NGOs and serving on boards in Africa. Olamidotun is a Canadian Nigerian and lives in Ontario with her husband and three daughters.
Read also: These 8 countries have female leaders running the government
3. Ariyike Lawal-Akinbobola

Ariyike is a Nigerian author, television presenter, talk show host, model, blogger, and lawyer based in Canada. She is also known for her occasional acting roles. Her children’s book, The Beautifully Coloured, has become a bestseller on Amazon. The book promotes kindness, diversity, inclusion, and positive affirmations for children.
Ariyike has worked as an associate producer and TV presenter for Spice TV, a fashion and lifestyle channel on DSTV. She hosted Spice TV’s flagship programme On the Couch and has been involved in producing and presenting fashion news. In addition, she has presented several other shows, including Sugar and Spice, Urban Spice, Instant Beauty Queen, and Project Swan. Ariyike also hosted Spice TV’s gadget show, Spice Toys.
4. Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi

Louisa is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, a black-owned publishing and media production company focused on teaching children about African history and culture. She and her husband, Oladele, launched Kunda Kids in 2020 after struggling to find books that could teach their son about ancient African history. Today, Kunda Kids works with over 20 writers, illustrators, and animators.
Louisa has authored over 50 children’s books and created the 3D animation Kunda & Friends. Through Kunda Kids, she seeks to address the underrepresentation of African culture in children’s media and promote global citizenship. The company’s mission is to inspire and educate children, helping them embrace their identities and dream big. Louisa is from Uganda, she lives in the United Kingdom with her family.
Read also: 8 remarkable African Queens who shaped history
5. Dora Owusu
Related News
Dora is from Ghana and now lives in the United States with her family. With a degree in Social Work, she has a deep interest in African and African-American history, which inspired her to write stories for children. Her books include Princess Nana Afia: The Majestic African Hair Show and I’m Wrapped in Pride with My Kente!.
Her work focuses on connecting people of African descent to the African continent. She encourages children to embrace their natural hair and see characters that reflect their identity. Dora’s stories aim to create a sense of belonging and pride in African heritage.
6. Ekiuwa Aire

Ekiuwa was born and raised in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2007. As a mother, she noticed a lack of resources to introduce African history to her children, which motivated her to write. Her first picture book, Idia of the Benin Kingdom, was inspired by this need.
Initially driven by the desire to teach her children, Ekiuwa’s mission now extends to preserving African heritage through her books. She also speaks at seminars, libraries, and classrooms, sharing her knowledge with others. Ekiuwa lives with her husband and two daughters in Ontario, Canada, and remains committed to making African history accessible to all children.
Read also: 5 African Queens who have held Miss World title
7. Lara Oseghale

Lara was born and raised in Nigeria. From a young age, Lara’s commitment to her family led her to seek wholesome and durable resources for her children. However, she struggled to find books and toys that aligned with her values. This inspired her to create her line of faith-based resources. Her venture, Curious Berries, aims to provide high-quality, engaging materials for families like hers, focusing on promoting virtues that are often overlooked.
Lara’s passion for numbers led her to study accounting at the University of Reading, where she graduated with a first-class degree. She later earned a Master’s in finance from Imperial College, London, and became a chartered accountant. Beyond her career, she enjoys travel, cooking, and dancing. Through her venture, Curious Berries, she continues to inspire children to be confident, kind, and connected to their faith. Lara lives in the UK with her family, focusing on her faith and devotion to them.
8. Tolulope Adejumo

Tolulope also known as Tolulope Solutions, is committed to intentional parenting and stewardship. She shares her faith through her book, Memory Verses with Soteria, a 30-day journey for children that combines scripture memorisation with affirmations and fun. In this devotional, children follow Soteria, a young adventurer, as she explores the Bible, making learning Scripture engaging.
Tolulope’s work goes beyond her own family. Through mentorship, she guides the younger generation towards faith and purpose, helping them anchor their lives in Christ. She believes that by sharing her devotion to God, others will be inspired to live a life aligned with their calling. Tolulope is a Nigerian living in Canada with her family.
Read also: 10 Countries with remarkable female representation in National Parliaments 
9. Oge Mora

Mora is a Nigerian-American children’s book illustrator and author. Her work has garnered significant recognition, with her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, earning a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, and being named a New York Times Notable Book and Editors’ Choice.
Oge is also the author of Saturday and has illustrated several other works. Her illustrations have been featured in major publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She was also listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 – Art & Style (2021). Her story continues to inspire readers and fellow creators in the world of children’s book publishing. She lives in America with her family
10. Evelyn Olutola Logan

Evelyn Olutola Logan is a Nigerian-American author who writes about the simplicity and experiences of life. Her debut book, On the Streets of Ondo, draws on African folktales and traditions, introducing readers to the stories passed down through generations in Nigeria. She shares her childhood memories of growing up with a diverse group of family members and community friends, capturing the essence of Nigerian-American life.
Evelyn introduces children to Nigerian culture, storytelling, and traditions, sparking curiosity and a love for learning about Africa through her writing. Evelyn enjoys connecting with young readers and hearing their interpretations of her stories. She lives in America with her husband and their children.

Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

Meet 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora

Arts & Culture, Books

A group of African women writers in the diaspora is significantly contributing to children’s literature. These authors draw upon their diverse experiences and backgrounds to create stories that resonate with young readers. Each writer brings a unique perspective shaped by their journeys across continents, addressing themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
Their works not only entertain but also educate, providing children with insights into the richness of African heritage and the complexities of life in a globalised world. Through their narratives, they foster a sense of connection and understanding among children from various backgrounds, encouraging empathy and curiosity about different cultures.
Read also: 8 countries with the highest share of female managers – ILO data
Here are 10 talented African women writing children’s books in the diaspora, compiled by BusinessDay.
1. Vese Aghoghovbia

Vese is a Nigerian writer focused on empowering young people to love and believe in themselves. She founded Philly & Friends, a children’s brand supporting underprivileged children globally. Recognised as a Top 100 Female Entrepreneur by Natwest & The Telegraph, Vese also won the 2021 Consumer & Luxury Rising Star award from the Black British Business Awards.
A Chartered Engineer with over ten years in strategy and operations, she has worked in FTSE-100 firms and the Baby & Child industry. Vese has spoken on platforms like the BBC and contributed to HuffPost Parent and Mother Mag. She lives in England with her family.
2. Olamidotun Votu-Obada

Olamidotun is the founder and lead author of Inspire HQ. She is a senior executive, social entrepreneur, children’s book author, speaker, and podcast host. Olamidotun created the Be Inspired Book Series, which includes titles such as Be Inspired By MKO, Be Inspired By Fela, and Be Inspired By Me Picture Book. In 2024, Be Inspired By MKO was presented to the Canadian Prime Minister, her books promote diversity and inclusion. Her books have received several awards, including two acknowledgements from the Ontario Government in 2024, and Olamidotun was listed as one of the “50 Most Inspiring Women” in 2019.
With a background in Business Economics and International Financial Economics from the University of Warwick and the University of Reading, Olamidotun has worked in management consultancy and business advisory, collaborating with NGOs and serving on boards in Africa. Olamidotun is a Canadian Nigerian and lives in Ontario with her husband and three daughters.
Read also: These 8 countries have female leaders running the government
3. Ariyike Lawal-Akinbobola

Ariyike is a Nigerian author, television presenter, talk show host, model, blogger, and lawyer based in Canada. She is also known for her occasional acting roles. Her children’s book, The Beautifully Coloured, has become a bestseller on Amazon. The book promotes kindness, diversity, inclusion, and positive affirmations for children.
Ariyike has worked as an associate producer and TV presenter for Spice TV, a fashion and lifestyle channel on DSTV. She hosted Spice TV’s flagship programme On the Couch and has been involved in producing and presenting fashion news. In addition, she has presented several other shows, including Sugar and Spice, Urban Spice, Instant Beauty Queen, and Project Swan. Ariyike also hosted Spice TV’s gadget show, Spice Toys.
4. Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi

Louisa is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, a black-owned publishing and media production company focused on teaching children about African history and culture. She and her husband, Oladele, launched Kunda Kids in 2020 after struggling to find books that could teach their son about ancient African history. Today, Kunda Kids works with over 20 writers, illustrators, and animators.
Louisa has authored over 50 children’s books and created the 3D animation Kunda & Friends. Through Kunda Kids, she seeks to address the underrepresentation of African culture in children’s media and promote global citizenship. The company’s mission is to inspire and educate children, helping them embrace their identities and dream big. Louisa is from Uganda, she lives in the United Kingdom with her family.
Read also: 8 remarkable African Queens who shaped history
5. Dora Owusu
Related News
Dora is from Ghana and now lives in the United States with her family. With a degree in Social Work, she has a deep interest in African and African-American history, which inspired her to write stories for children. Her books include Princess Nana Afia: The Majestic African Hair Show and I’m Wrapped in Pride with My Kente!.
Her work focuses on connecting people of African descent to the African continent. She encourages children to embrace their natural hair and see characters that reflect their identity. Dora’s stories aim to create a sense of belonging and pride in African heritage.
6. Ekiuwa Aire

Ekiuwa was born and raised in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2007. As a mother, she noticed a lack of resources to introduce African history to her children, which motivated her to write. Her first picture book, Idia of the Benin Kingdom, was inspired by this need.
Initially driven by the desire to teach her children, Ekiuwa’s mission now extends to preserving African heritage through her books. She also speaks at seminars, libraries, and classrooms, sharing her knowledge with others. Ekiuwa lives with her husband and two daughters in Ontario, Canada, and remains committed to making African history accessible to all children.
Read also: 5 African Queens who have held Miss World title
7. Lara Oseghale

Lara was born and raised in Nigeria. From a young age, Lara’s commitment to her family led her to seek wholesome and durable resources for her children. However, she struggled to find books and toys that aligned with her values. This inspired her to create her line of faith-based resources. Her venture, Curious Berries, aims to provide high-quality, engaging materials for families like hers, focusing on promoting virtues that are often overlooked.
Lara’s passion for numbers led her to study accounting at the University of Reading, where she graduated with a first-class degree. She later earned a Master’s in finance from Imperial College, London, and became a chartered accountant. Beyond her career, she enjoys travel, cooking, and dancing. Through her venture, Curious Berries, she continues to inspire children to be confident, kind, and connected to their faith. Lara lives in the UK with her family, focusing on her faith and devotion to them.
8. Tolulope Adejumo

Tolulope also known as Tolulope Solutions, is committed to intentional parenting and stewardship. She shares her faith through her book, Memory Verses with Soteria, a 30-day journey for children that combines scripture memorisation with affirmations and fun. In this devotional, children follow Soteria, a young adventurer, as she explores the Bible, making learning Scripture engaging.
Tolulope’s work goes beyond her own family. Through mentorship, she guides the younger generation towards faith and purpose, helping them anchor their lives in Christ. She believes that by sharing her devotion to God, others will be inspired to live a life aligned with their calling. Tolulope is a Nigerian living in Canada with her family.
Read also: 10 Countries with remarkable female representation in National Parliaments 
9. Oge Mora

Mora is a Nigerian-American children’s book illustrator and author. Her work has garnered significant recognition, with her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, earning a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, and being named a New York Times Notable Book and Editors’ Choice.
Oge is also the author of Saturday and has illustrated several other works. Her illustrations have been featured in major publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. She was also listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 – Art & Style (2021). Her story continues to inspire readers and fellow creators in the world of children’s book publishing. She lives in America with her family
10. Evelyn Olutola Logan

Evelyn Olutola Logan is a Nigerian-American author who writes about the simplicity and experiences of life. Her debut book, On the Streets of Ondo, draws on African folktales and traditions, introducing readers to the stories passed down through generations in Nigeria. She shares her childhood memories of growing up with a diverse group of family members and community friends, capturing the essence of Nigerian-American life.
Evelyn introduces children to Nigerian culture, storytelling, and traditions, sparking curiosity and a love for learning about Africa through her writing. Evelyn enjoys connecting with young readers and hearing their interpretations of her stories. She lives in America with her husband and their children.

Chisom Michael
Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

Sharjah book fair to host over 80 comic-related workshops

Arts & Culture, Books

The book fair has a range of activities to keep young minds occupied.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to ignite the imagination of comic enthusiasts and aspiring artists from November 6-17, 2024, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” this year’s fair promises an exciting array of 87 comic-related activities and workshops led by talented illustrators and artists from around the globe.
Featuring an expansive lineup of 14 diverse topics, SIBF 2024 will enable attendees to explore various techniques in comic creation, crafts, voice acting, character development, 3D design, and more. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore innovative methods that breathe life into their creative visions. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives or mastering the intricacies of character design, these workshops promise to inspire and empower the next generation of comic artists and storytellers.
A comic enthusiast’s paradise
Participants can immerse themselves in workshops such as ‘Giant Comics’, where they will create life-sized comic panels that can be displayed on walls or used as theatrical props. ‘Creating a Comic Book Cover’ will cover how to design an eye-catching comic book cover, providing insights into essential elements such as composition, character design, and effective title placement.
An expert conducts a workshop.

In the ‘3D Comics’ workshop, attendees will design unique comic characters using clay or 3D printing technology while discovering techniques for transitioning from 2D to 3D art. Additionally, the ‘Voice Acting for Comic Books’ workshop offers an exciting opportunity for participants to explore vocal performance, adding a dynamic dimension to their favourite comic characters.
Exploring deeper themes
For attendees eager to delve into the narrative aspects of comics, SIBF 2024 offers workshops that focus on storytelling and character development. The ‘Dialogue and Caption Writing’ workshop emphasises crafting natural dialogue and enhancing narratives through effective captions, allowing participants to write snappy, character-driven conversations. In the ‘Writing for Genre-Specific Comics’ workshop, participants will explore conventions across various genres — such as superhero, horror, romance, and sci-fi — learning how to utilise and subvert these conventions in their own work.
A participant sharpens her creativity at the workshop.

The ‘Exploring Themes Through Comics’ workshop teaches how to integrate meaningful themes into stories using symbolism, recurring motifs, and narrative structure for deeper resonance. For those interested in character dynamics, the ‘Heroes and Villains’ workshop highlights the complexity of crafting multi-dimensional characters, emphasising that even villains see themselves as heroes in their own narratives. Additionally, the ‘Superhero Comic Workshop’ combines storytelling with character design, giving participants the chance to create their own superheroes and develop exciting storylines that captivate audiences.
Workshops for all ages
The fair caters to comic enthusiasts of all ages, offering a range of engaging activities tailored for younger audiences. Children can unleash their creativity in the ‘Chibi Keychain Workshop’ by designing polymer clay keychains inspired by beloved manga and anime characters, and the ‘Polymer Clay Fridge Magnets’ workshop will invite young artists to create personalised fridge magnets, enhancing their artistic skills while providing a fun keepsake to take home.
The ‘Naruto Soap Making Workshop’ introduces kids to the fun process of crafting character-inspired soaps using moulds. The ‘Silver Superheroes’ workshop encourages children to craft superhero figures from simple aluminium foil, fostering hands-on creativity. Lastly, the ‘Design Your Own Bag Patches’ workshop offers a creative outlet for participants to personalise their bags by designing unique patches that reflect their individual style.

Sharjah book fair to host over 80 comic-related workshops

Arts & Culture, Books

The book fair has a range of activities to keep young minds occupied.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to ignite the imagination of comic enthusiasts and aspiring artists from November 6-17, 2024, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” this year’s fair promises an exciting array of 87 comic-related activities and workshops led by talented illustrators and artists from around the globe.
Featuring an expansive lineup of 14 diverse topics, SIBF 2024 will enable attendees to explore various techniques in comic creation, crafts, voice acting, character development, 3D design, and more. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore innovative methods that breathe life into their creative visions. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives or mastering the intricacies of character design, these workshops promise to inspire and empower the next generation of comic artists and storytellers.
A comic enthusiast’s paradise
Participants can immerse themselves in workshops such as ‘Giant Comics’, where they will create life-sized comic panels that can be displayed on walls or used as theatrical props. ‘Creating a Comic Book Cover’ will cover how to design an eye-catching comic book cover, providing insights into essential elements such as composition, character design, and effective title placement.
An expert conducts a workshop.

In the ‘3D Comics’ workshop, attendees will design unique comic characters using clay or 3D printing technology while discovering techniques for transitioning from 2D to 3D art. Additionally, the ‘Voice Acting for Comic Books’ workshop offers an exciting opportunity for participants to explore vocal performance, adding a dynamic dimension to their favourite comic characters.
Exploring deeper themes
For attendees eager to delve into the narrative aspects of comics, SIBF 2024 offers workshops that focus on storytelling and character development. The ‘Dialogue and Caption Writing’ workshop emphasises crafting natural dialogue and enhancing narratives through effective captions, allowing participants to write snappy, character-driven conversations. In the ‘Writing for Genre-Specific Comics’ workshop, participants will explore conventions across various genres — such as superhero, horror, romance, and sci-fi — learning how to utilise and subvert these conventions in their own work.
A participant sharpens her creativity at the workshop.

The ‘Exploring Themes Through Comics’ workshop teaches how to integrate meaningful themes into stories using symbolism, recurring motifs, and narrative structure for deeper resonance. For those interested in character dynamics, the ‘Heroes and Villains’ workshop highlights the complexity of crafting multi-dimensional characters, emphasising that even villains see themselves as heroes in their own narratives. Additionally, the ‘Superhero Comic Workshop’ combines storytelling with character design, giving participants the chance to create their own superheroes and develop exciting storylines that captivate audiences.
Workshops for all ages
The fair caters to comic enthusiasts of all ages, offering a range of engaging activities tailored for younger audiences. Children can unleash their creativity in the ‘Chibi Keychain Workshop’ by designing polymer clay keychains inspired by beloved manga and anime characters, and the ‘Polymer Clay Fridge Magnets’ workshop will invite young artists to create personalised fridge magnets, enhancing their artistic skills while providing a fun keepsake to take home.
The ‘Naruto Soap Making Workshop’ introduces kids to the fun process of crafting character-inspired soaps using moulds. The ‘Silver Superheroes’ workshop encourages children to craft superhero figures from simple aluminium foil, fostering hands-on creativity. Lastly, the ‘Design Your Own Bag Patches’ workshop offers a creative outlet for participants to personalise their bags by designing unique patches that reflect their individual style.