By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading literary blogs in Africa, Brittle Paper, has honoured Nigeria’s premier children’s book festival, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), with an award.
ACBF was recently named the 2023 Brittle Paper Literary Platform of the Year, acknowledging its commitment to children’s literacy and wider impact on the Nigerian literary scene.
The festival has played a pivotal role in supporting self-published authors, promoting diverse voices, and fostering a more inclusive literary culture in the country.
In a statement made available to Business Post, it was disclosed that the award also recognised ACBF’s exceptional contributions to championing children’s literature in Nigeria and fostering a safe and inspiring space for young minds to explore books and ideas.
The founder and Editor-in-Chief of Brittle Paper, Ms Ainehi Edoro, said, “There is no doubt that ACBF is shifting Nigerian literary culture in ways that speak to the broader growth we are observing in African literature globally.
“ACBF has grown to be more than just a festival; it’s a powerful advocacy platform for the intellectual and imaginative lives of children, emphasizing their importance within the broader literary culture. Ultimately, the festival is about impacting the lives of children, which is no small charge.”
“We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from Brittle Paper,” the founder and convener of ACBF, Ms Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, was quoted as saying in the statement.
“ACBF was born from a deep belief in the transformative power of stories and the importance of nurturing a love of reading in children.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the incredible Nigerian authors, artists, and educators who make ACBF possible,” she added.
ACBF was established in 2019 and has quickly become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s literary landscape.
The festival provides a unique platform for children to engage with books, authors, and fellow book lovers through interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and vibrant cultural performances.