….Honours Pelumi Numi with Children’s Book of the Year Award
Lagos, Nigeria – More than 1,700 children, parents, educators, authors, illustrators and book lovers gathered at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic, Lagos, for the eighth edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), highlighting its pivotal role in nurturing young minds and reinforcing the importance of literacy and cultural heritage in Nigeria. The festival, which is the first and largest Nigerian book festival curated specifically for children, continues to serve as a platform where African stories are shared, experienced and celebrated through immersive learning.
This year’s festival, themed “Big Dreams, Brave Stories,” showcased 25 original children’s books by Nigerian authors based both locally and internationally. The programme brought together a rich mix of learning and creative experiences, including 6 Book Chats, 2 Young Authors’ Panels, 5 Parents’ Workshops, 7 Children’s Workshops, 2 Illustration Workshops (Draw Like a Pro!), and 2 Animation Workshops. In addition to book readings, the festival featured a wide range of interactive activities—including Scrabble and chess tournaments, STEM activities, sensory play sessions, SIP-and-Paint experiences, and other hands-on creative engagements—helped to spark curiosity, imagination, and a stronger love for reading among children and families.
A major highlight of the festival was the presentation of the Akada Children’s Book Festival Children’s Book of the Year Award, which recognised excellence in children’s publishing and storytelling. The winner of the 2026 award, Lumi Drives from London to Lagos by Pelumi Nubi, was announced during the festival. Other notable recognitions included Enifome Uyoyou-Agha & Aiden Johnson, winners of the Writing Competition; Sorcha Fischer, winner of the Illustration Competition; and Edward Peculiar, winner of the Chess Tournament.
Speaking on the significance of the festival, renowned children’s author and Convener of the Akada Children’s Book Festival, Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, said:
“The Akada Children’s Book Festival was created out of a clear need to address the gap in children’s access to books that are not only available, but meaningful, relatable, and reflective of their lived experiences. From the beginning, our mission has been to build a strong reading culture among children in Nigeria by creating a space where stories, imagination, and learning come together. Each year, we return with renewed purpose, and this eighth edition is no different. Our expectation is simple but powerful—to see more children fall in love with reading, more parents actively engage in their children’s learning journey, and more writers and illustrators inspired to tell African stories with pride and excellence. This festival is ultimately about shaping a future where reading is not an obligation, but a joyful habit that opens doors for every child.”
Throughout the day, children participated in a rich programme of literary and educational activities. Popular book readings and storytime sessions featured titles including Iwa: Short Stories About Character by Zansi Adebowale, Sleepy Guppy Says Bedtime Must Wait by Adebola Rayo, What Happened On Thursday? by Ayo Oyeku, Kachi and the River Guard by Amarachukwu Chimeka, Lumi Drives From London To Lagos by Pelumi Nubi, Sim Sim Goes To The Salon by Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie and many more.
The festival also celebrated emerging literary talent through dedicated Young Authors’ Panels featuring Achiever Omotoso, Oluwatoke Aduradola, Tiwatope Oloye and Chimziterem Iloh. Attendees were further treated to theatrical performances, puppet shows and an exclusive first reading of Dunoma the Brave by acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin, alongside appearances by several leading children’s authors and storytellers.
The Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) is an annual event that provides a visible platform for the work of indigenous authors and encourages broad public engagement with children’s literature from Nigeria and around the world. Since its launch in 2019, the festival has drawn over 10,160 attendees and donated more than 5,118 books, creating greater access to quality reading materials for children. Beyond celebrating African stories and authors, the festival empowers parents and educators to nurture a love for reading, embrace shared reading practices, and inspire the next generation of African storytellers.
