The eighth edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival was held at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, with pupils from over 15 schools, including those from underserved communities, attending activities focused on reading, storytelling, and creative skills.

Front House Manager of the festival, Tomiwa Adetayo, said the event is designed to blend education with hands-on activities to encourage reading and expose children to African authors and illustrators.

This year’s theme: ‘Big dreams, brave stories,’ was reflected in book exhibitions, author signing sessions, reading corners, and workshops covering sip-and-paint, bead-making, T-shirt customisation, knitting, scrabble, chess, stage dramas, music, and robotics.

The festival also included quiet zones and pop-up libraries for independent reading.

Adetayo said the festival has expanded from small book-centred events into a platform where children meet authors and illustrators and engage in activities that support communication and thinking skills.

He urged parents and guardians to encourage children to learn new skills and interact with peers and professionals.

Author of The Afrotods Festival Time, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, said festivals of this nature help children see themselves in stories that reflect their heritage and culture.

He noted that many children grow up disconnected from their languages and traditions, often because their parents did not pass them on. He also noted that early exposure to cultural content through books can address that gap.

Teachers at the event commented on the practical value of the exposure for pupils.

Olukunle Omolola of Raintop School, Ogun State, said the activities help teachers identify pupils’ strengths and potential areas for development.

Temitayo Bello Iloro of LifeKids School, Ojota, Lagos, said the festival shows children that careers beyond medicine and law exist and helps reinforce the importance of reading.

Student Chibike Msylvia of New Herald Junior Secondary School said the talk sessions, art workshops, scrabble competitions, and robotics were the parts of the event that stood out for her.