Broda Shaggi, Falz, other stars use Google Gemini to turn Nigerian folktales into children's colouring books

Google has partnered with Slum2School Africa and a group of Nigerian creators to launch “Stories from Our Home,” a Nigerian folktale and cultural colouring book designed to support learning among children in underserved communities.

The initiative, unveiled in Lagos on March 31, will see 1,000 copies of the book distributed to primary school pupilsas part of efforts to address the shortage of creative educational materials in many Nigerian classrooms.

The project used Google Gemini as a creative tool to help transform traditional African folklore into printable line art that children can colour.

Popular Nigerian comedian and actor Broda Shaggi worked alongside other creators including Falz and Layi Wasabiduring a creative “Imagination Workshop,” where participants shared childhood memories, cultural stories, and folklore.

Using Gemini, the creators translated those ideas into illustrations that reflect Nigerian heritage and storytelling traditions. The final book was designed and produced by Inked Memory to ensure the pages met educational and child-friendly standards.

According to Otto Orondaam, the initiative was created to address a common challenge faced by many children in underserved schools.

“At Slum2School Africa, we have always believed that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty,” Orondaam said, adding that learning often begins with the stories children hear and the creative materials they interact with.

The book was formally unveiled at the Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lekki, where children participated in storytelling and reading sessions.

Olumide Balogun opened the event by reading a story about the Great Rivers of Nigeria. He was joined by guest readers Nancy Isime and Bisola Aiyeola, who shared stories highlighting Nigerian history and cultural icons such as Queen Moremi Ajasoro and the historic Walls of Benin.

Broda Shaggi said the project was particularly meaningful to him because of his own childhood experiences.

“I know what it feels like to grow up without these things,” he said. “Seeing these books go into the hands of children means everything to me.”

Each child at the launch received a Dream Pack containing the colouring book along with crayons, pencils, notebooks and educational games.

Organisers say the initiative aims to encourage creativity and cultural pride while supporting skills such as focus, imagination and fine motor development among young learners.