The fourth edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival was held on October 29, 2022 at the UpBeat Centre in Lagos.

The Akada Children’s Book Festival showcases children’s books written by African authors or international books written for diverse groups of children. The festival was founded by acclaimed publisher and children’s author Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi and is the first and the largest Nigerian book festival specifically for children.

The festival was held for the first time in 2019 and it attracted over 1,400 attendees. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 editions of the festival were held online attracting more than 1,600 participants each from across Nigeria and globally.

Themed Together Again, the 2022 edition of the festival was an in-person event and featured author-led book readings and story time sessions, book chats, a book exhibition, professional workshops for children’s book writers, illustrators and publishers, mini workshops for children, music and drama, insightful sessions for parents and teachers, and much more.

Here are some of the highlights from the festival.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony was done by Olabisi Onibanjo, wife of the Honourable Attorney General Justice, Lagos State (Representing the first Lady of Lagos State), ACBF Convener Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi and 2022 ACBF and Emotional Intelligence Coach Enahoro Okhae.

The book reading sessions and storytimes were fun, engaging, and educational for children. Some of the 2022 speakers included children’s book authors Ayo Oyeku, Efua Traore, Foluke Oyeleye, Gbemi Shasore, Jesutofunmi Fekoya, Mariam Longe, Nnenna Ochiche, Olamibo Balogun, Sope Martins, Stephanie Coker Aderinokun, Tony Olaniji, and many more talented authors, illustrators, publishers, and speakers.

Watch the reel below to catch a glimpse of some of the authors who provided children with beautiful memories of African stories.

The young choristers of Supreme Education Foundation and The Learning Place School entertained festival participants with heartfelt renditions of the 2022 Akada Festival theme song “Together Again”.

Children were able to connect with their creative side at the Sip & Paint sessions during the Akada Festival. The results were colorful and artistic to behold and participants enjoyed the activity immensely.

There was also a Sensory Play Area designed for kids aged five and below, powered by the renowned Nurturing Tree. The sensory play area was a hit as children could not get enough of the fun and insightful activities. See the photos below:

The 2022 Akada Children’s Book Festival was a huge success based on the exciting book readings, purposeful workshops, sip & paint event, chess tournament, fun games, pop up library, book chats, and more. The children seemed to have tons of fun and enjoyed all the events.

We are certain the 2023 edition of the festival will be even more entertaining!