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The Akada Children’s Book Festival is set to host its eighth edition with a special pre-Children’s Day celebration aimed at promoting literacy and nurturing a love of reading among children.
A statement by the organisation on Thursday said that the festival, scheduled to be held on May 23, 2026, at Rugby School Nigeria, would bring together authors, illustrators, educators and young readers in a vibrant showcase of indigenous children’s literature.
Convener of the festival, Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, said the event continued to expand due to the growing recognition of the importance of early exposure to books.
She said, “The festival continues to grow because parents, educators, publishers, and authors all recognise the need to expose children to storybooks early. By bringing writers, illustrators, and young readers into the same space, we are helping children see that books are not distant objects on a shelf, but stories created by people whose experiences they can relate to.”
With the theme, “Big Dreams, Brave Stories,” the 2026 edition will highlight the power of storytelling in inspiring children to dream boldly, embrace creativity and build confidence.
She said the event would feature a wide range of activities, including author-led readings, workshops for children, parents and teachers, book exhibitions, competitions, games, and creative sessions designed to stimulate curiosity and imagination.
Some of the books to be showcased include Lumi Drives from London to Lagos by Pelumi Nubi, Sim Sim Goes to the Salon by Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, Amang Goes to the Village by Namse Udosen, and What Happened on Thursday?: A Nigerian Civil War Story by Ayo Oyeku.
The statement added that the festival would include its annual awards recognising excellence in children’s literature, aimed at encouraging writers and strengthening Nigeria’s literary community.
Since its inception in 2019, the festival has attracted over 10,000 participants and donated thousands of books to improve access to quality reading materials for children across the country.
