By Peter Omopo | September 15, 2025
Nigeria’s premier children’s literary event, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), will return for its seventh edition on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the UPBEAT Recreation Center, Lekki, Lagos.
Organisers announced the details in a statement on Monday, unveiling the theme “Book An Adventure,” which highlights the power of stories to spark imagination, celebrate culture, and inspire self-discovery.
Festival convener and author, Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, said this year’s theme goes beyond books as mere entertainment.
“Adventure lies at the heart of every great story, and this year, we want children to discover reading as a doorway to endless possibilities. ‘Book An Adventure’ is more than a theme — it’s an invitation for young readers to explore knowledge, culture, and imagination,” she said.
Since its debut in 2019, ACBF has hosted over 10,000 attendees, donated more than 5,000 books, and provided a platform for writers, illustrators, and publishers championing children’s literature.
This year’s festival will feature the launch of 20 original children’s titles, including The Invincible Will by Amadi Njoku, Bisola and the Colourful Jars by Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida, The Magical Market of Maraba by Solape Azazi, I Wish I Could Fly by Ekanem Selia, The Water School by Ogbu Eme, Tommy Can Win Too by Ayodeji Anifowose, and The Boy Who Grew Backwards by Kanyisola Balogun-Kuku.
Authors praised the festival’s influence on literacy. Ogbu Eme described it as “a well-tended nursery where every child can bloom,” while Solape Azazi noted that it ensures “every child sees themselves in a story and knows their voice belongs in the world.”
The festival, free and open to the public, will offer a wide range of activities, including:
- Author-led book readings and story sessions
- Book exhibitions and featured titles
- Young authors’ spotlight
- A children’s chess tournament
- Workshops for writers, illustrators, and publishers
- Interactive sessions for parents and educators
Registration has opened, with updates available on @akadafestival across social media.
The word Akada comes from Yoruba, meaning “lover of literacy and books.”
