Make this Children’s Day unforgettable at the Akada Children’s Book Festival 2026

Every year, Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark Children’s Day, a special occasion dedicated to honouring the joys and rights of childhood. It’s a day to spotlight the importance of nurturing, educating, and protecting young ones while also reminding adults of the wonder and excitement of their own childhoods.

This year, the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) returns for its 8th edition on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic, as a special pre-Children’s Day celebration. Designed entirely for children, the event offers families a chance to engage their kids in fun, learning, and imagination all in one vibrant space.

With the 2026 theme, “Big Dreams, Brave Stories,” ACBF encourages children to embrace courage, creativity, and self-expression. Through stories of adventure, bravery, and self-discovery, kids are inspired to dream boldly, ask questions, and see themselves as active participants in their own journeys.

The 8th edition will feature a rich and engaging line-up of activities designed to immerse children, parents, and educators in an interactive literary experience, including:

• Author-led book readings

• Author meet-and-greet sessions

• Storytime sessions

• Book chats

• Book exhibitions and signings

• Workshops for children

• Workshops for parents and educators

• Writing and illustration competition announcements

• Scrabble and chess tournaments

• Theme song competition

• Sip and paint sessions

• STEM activities

• Sensory play experiences

• Drama, music, and dance performances

• Prizes and book giveaways

Each activity is designed to move beyond passive participation, giving children the opportunity to engage actively with stories, explore their creativity, and connect with books in ways that feel natural and exciting.

The festival also showcases a curated selection of original children’s titles by Nigerian authors, including:

• Lumi Drives from London to Lagos by Pelumi Nubi

• Sim Sim Goes to the Salon by Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie

• Amang Goes to the Village by Namse Udosen

• What Happened on Thursday?: A Nigerian Civil War Story by Ayo Oyeku

These books reflect diverse experiences and cultural contexts, allowing children to see themselves in the stories while exploring new worlds through literature.

Beyond the joy of the day, the Akada Children’s Book Festival offers tangible benefits for children and parents alike:

• Encourages confidence, curiosity, and creativity

• Reinforces reading as an enjoyable, lifelong habit

• Provides a safe, engaging environment designed specifically for children

• Connects kids with authors and role models they can look up to

Since 2019, the festival has welcomed over 10,000 participants across previous editions, establishing itself as Nigeria’s premier children’s book festival and a leading platform in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Children’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s an opportunity to invest in your child’s imagination and growth. By attending the Akada Children’s Book Festival, you’re giving them an experience that blends fun, learning, and inspiration—all in one day.

On Saturday, May 23, at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic, Lagos, families and schools are invited to the 8th Akada Children’s Book Festival. Timed ahead of Children’s Day and themed “Big Dreams, Brave Stories,” the festival celebrates creativity, storytelling, and reading.

Best of all, it’s completely free. Register at https://akadafestival.org/register and follow @akadafestival for updates.

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