Nigeria’s Children’s Book Festival Returns in October 2025

Nigeria’s first and largest children’s book festival, the Akada Children’s Book Festival, is set to make a vibrant return for its seventh edition on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday, with the theme as, “Book An Adventure.”

It was stated that this year’s festival celebrates the idea that every book offers a journey into imagination, history, culture, and self-discovery.

According to the statement, the theme reflects the festival’s mission to promote literacy, amplify diverse cultural voices, and inspire children to see themselves as active participants in shaping their future.

Speaking on the festival’s significance, renowned author and convener of ACBF, Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, said,“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.

“Through the Akada Children’s Book Festival, we nurture curiosity, celebrate diverse voices, and show families and educators how a single book can spark a lifelong journey.”

She revealed that since its inception in 2019, ACBF had welcomed over 10,000 attendees, donated more than 5,000 books, and established itself as a hub for writers, illustrators, and publishers committed to advancing children’s literature.

“More than 20 original children’s books will be showcased at the event, featuring works such as 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,” the statement partly read.

Author of The Water School, Ogbu Eme, praised the festival’s impact on early childhood education, saying,
“The Akada Children’s Book Festival is like a well-tended nursery where every child can bloom.”

Similarly, Solape Azazi, author of The Magical Market of Maraba, added, “The Akada Children’s Book Festival reminds us that every child deserves to see themselves in a story, and to know their voice belongs in the world.”

The festival is free and open to the public. Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to follow @akadafestival on social media for updates and programme details.

The name ‘Akada’ is derived from the Yoruba word meaning lover of literacy and books.

This year’s programme promises an engaging mix of activities, including, author-led book readings and story times, book exhibitions and featured titles, young authors’ spotlight, a chess tournament for children, workshops for writers, illustrators, and publishers, interactive sessions for parents and educators.