Joyce Onwuka
Organizers of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) which was launched in 2019, is hosting its sixth edition.
At inception the festival clearly declared its mission to create a vibrant and inclusive platform that promotes children’s literacy while spotlighting the work of Indigenous authors and illustrators.
The festival’s name, “Akada,” translates to “a lover of literacy and books” in Yoruba, reflecting its deep commitment to celebrating the richness of African literature.
Through the festival, children aged 13 and under are encouraged to develop a lifelong love and appreciation for books and storytelling, providing them with the tools they need to explore, imagine, and learn through literature.
As Nigeria’s first and largest book festival dedicated exclusively to children, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) has carved out a unique space in the nation’s cultural landscape. Over the years, it has grown into an eagerly anticipated event, welcoming over 8,500 attendees.
In its efforts to make reading more accessible, ACBF has also donated more than 4,206 books to communities and schools, expanding its reach to children who might otherwise lack access to quality reading materials.
Each year, the festival builds on its core mission—nurturing a love for stories that reflect the diverse experiences of African children while offering a stage for local authors to connect with young readers and their families.