By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The organisers of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) have announced the return of the event for its sixth edition on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos.
A statement from them disclosed that this year’s theme is Read Your Way and it emphasises the importance of promoting literacy and fostering a reading culture among children aged 13 and below.
By providing engaging activities and experiences, the ACBF aims to inspire young readers and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education said Nigeria faces challenges in promoting reading culture, stating that four out of 10 portion primary school children struggle with reading comprehension.
A 2023 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report further highlights this issue, stating that 75 per cent of Nigerian children aged 7 to 14 cannot read simple sentences.
The organisers have promised that the 2024 Akada Children’s Book Festival will have 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 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.
In addition, it will feature 32 original children’s books created by Nigerians at home and abroad. Notable titles include Captain of Aster by Nnenna Ochiche, Iya Alaro Saves The Day by Yewande Amusan and Aduke Gomez, Ada and The Emir by Nkechi Anya, An African Christmas with Queenie and 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.
The convener of Akada Children’s Book Festival, Mrs Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, said, the event was created to showcase various literary works for a diverse audience of children.
“Previously, most children’s books available were imported and predominantly featured cultures different from our own. This led me to consider that if our kids are only exposed to books set in other cultures, they might start to feel there is something wrong with their own culture and the people who look like them.
“In response, I began writing books featuring protagonists who look like children in this environment, placing them in adventures and settings similar to those our children experience every day.
“The Akada Children’s Book Festival was born from this initiative and has since grown into a platform for showcasing various authors.
“I am thrilled to see an increasing number of people writing for children and we love seeing them engage with stories that reflect their experiences and perspectives,” she stated.
