…as Akada Children’s Book Festival returns for seventh edition
Recognising the transformative power of literacy, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) is advocating for a renewed focus on reading among children, describing it as a gateway to unlocking their full potential.
Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, the convener of the Akada Children’s Book Festival speaking on the 2025 festival, theme and significance, emphasised that fostering a culture of reading from an early age can open doors to limitless opportunities, empowering the next generation to shape a brighter future for the continent.
“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 said.
Aboderin-Talabi reiterated that through the ACBF, the festival can nurture curiosity, celebrate diverse voices, and show families and educators how a single book can spark a lifelong journey.
“Since our launch in 2019, the festival has grown year after year, inspiring writers and fostering initiatives that promote children’s literature.
“The Akada Children’s Book Festival continues to champion storytelling and literacy, ensuring every child can experience the joy and adventure found in books,” she emphasised.
Similarly, Ogbu Eme, author of The Water School, speaking on the festival, highlighted its impact on early childhood education, saying: “The Akada Children’s Book Festival is like a well-tended nursery where every child can bloom.”
Solape Azazi, author of The Magical Market of Maraba, said, “The Akada Children’s Book Festival reminds us that every child deserves to see themselves in a story, and to know their voice belongs in the world.’’
In line with its commitment to promoting literacy and nurturing a lifelong love of reading among children, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) is set to return for its seventh edition on Saturday, October 25, at UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos.
The festival continues its focus on promoting literacy and providing children with opportunities to engage with books and storytelling.
According to a 2024 report by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), approximately 773 million adults cannot read and write, two-thirds of them women, and 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills.
Of all regions, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of education exclusion. Over one-fifth of children between the ages of about six and 11 are out of school, followed by one-third of youth between the ages of about 12 and 14.
This gap in literacy, UNESCO emphasised not only perpetuates cycles of poverty but also hinders the region’s ability to unlock the full potential of its population, limiting both individual and societal growth.
With the 2025 theme, “Book An Adventure,” the festival celebrates the idea that every book is a journey, into imagination, history, culture, and self-discovery.
The theme underscores the role of storytelling in helping children explore new worlds, ask bold questions, and see themselves as active participants in shaping the future.
This focus also directly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by advancing inclusive learning, amplifying diverse cultural voices, and expanding equal access to literacy opportunities for all children.
The ACBF is an annual event that provides a visible platform for the work of indigenous authors and encourages broad public engagement in children’s books and audiences for both Nigerian and international literature. The festival’s name, Akada, was derived from the Yoruba word, which means a lover of literacy and books.
Since its launch in 2019, ACBF has drawn over 10,000 attendees and donated more than 5,000 books, creating wider access to quality reading materials. The event is free for all participants.
This year’s festival will feature more than 20 original children’s books and provide opportunities for children, educators, and parents to participate in activities that support literacy development.
