More than 250 children gathered at the newly renovated National Theatre, now known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, for the second edition of Toontopia, a children’s animation festival focused on creativity, storytelling and digital skills.

Organised by Smids Animation Studios in partnership with the National Theatre, the event featured workshops in digital animation, stop-motion filmmaking, illustration, painting and puppetry, alongside screenings of animated films from across Africa.

Speaking at the event, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, Tola Akerele, said children’s programming remains a key part of the theatre’s vision.

According to her, the goal is to create opportunities that help children develop creative and practical skills that could shape their future careers.

“It is so important to us because part of our role is to make sure we programme for everyone. Last year we had 70 children, this year we have 250,” she said.

Akerele added that the festival reflects efforts to make the National Theatre a space for innovation, culture and family-oriented activities.

She also disclosed that more children-focused programmes are planned for the year, including a circus festival and a stage remake of Tales by Moonlight.

While noting that the National Theatre is not yet operating at full capacity, she said ongoing events are aimed at showing Nigerians that the facility is fully open for public engagement and creative activities.

Chief Executive Officer of Smids Animation Studios, Dami Sholesi, described Toontopia as a platform created to help children express themselves creatively beyond academics.

According to her, the festival was designed to give children access to tools that can help them tell their stories through animation and art.

“Creativity is in everyone. Some children are already writing, drawing and creating comics. We want to help them tell those stories better,” she said.

Sholesi said the festival, which debuted last year at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi with 70 children, recorded increased participation this year with over 250 attendees.

She added that the 2026 edition introduced new activities such as stop-motion animation, puppetry and a children’s art gallery.

The animation studio boss also stressed the importance of African representation in children’s content, noting that the festival screened films from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Head of Product and Strategy at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Taiwo Ala, said the bank sponsored the initiative as part of efforts to invest in children and support the country’s creative future.

He said exposing children to creative and digital skills at an early stage would help prepare them for global opportunities.

“It is important that we channel the minds and energy of our children in the right direction. They are here learning skills that can help them compete globally in the future,” he said.

Ala added that Stanbic IBTC sees investment in children and creativity as a long-term contribution to national development.