The Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), recognized as one of Nigeria’s first and largest book festivals specially designed for children, returns for its fourth edition scheduled for October 29, 2022 at the Optimistic Leisure centerLekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Already there is excitement in the air as the festival will be physically held for the first time since the 2019 event. Registration is now open at www.akadafestival.org.
An initiative of a renowned publisher and a children’s author Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, ACBF targets children aged 13 and under, parents, teachers and guardians, and those who create child-friendly content. The one-day festival is set to attract 3000 attendees with various fun activities.
Theme “Together Again”the 2022 festival will feature relevant activities such as book readings, workshops for writers and illustrators, author showcases, interactive and engaging workshops for children, soft skills masterclasses for teachers and parents, and more.
Announcing the theme for the 2022 festival, Talabi explained, “Due to the pandemic, this is the first time in over two years that we have held the festival in person. So we want the theme to capture the joy of the community and celebrate our shared love of reading and empowering children and their families,” she said.
According to her, “When children embrace a love of books and love to read at a young age, it gives them the skills necessary for a fulfilled life with endless possibilities.”
She added that the organizers have taken deliberate steps to ensure that,
“This year’s festival encourages active participation, story time and bonding sessions for families, as well as stimulation of children’s cognitive development.”
There will also be talks and book signings, a pop-up library, fun exhibits, arts and crafts, music and dance, writing and illustration contest winner announcements, a scavenger hunt, a sip and paint session and discounted activities from festival partner, UpBeat Centre.
In addition to the plethora of children’s authors who will be featured at this year’s festival, there are workshop leaders from a wide variety of fields, including publishing, public speaking, entertainment, digital media, parenting and education. Among them, the founder of Chess In Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya; founder of FabMumNg, Jayne Auguoye; renowned writer and co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press, Dr Eghosa Imasuen; emotional intelligence specialist Enahoro Okhae; reality TV star and lifestyle influencer, Neo Akpofure; and life coach and behavior change specialist, Doctor. LAnre Olusola; among others.
“The Akada Children’s Book Festival has become a melting point for all things child education and family entertainment,”
said ACBF festival director Omawumi Ogbe.
“As in previous years, the 2022 event features an insightful lineup of sessions featuring some of today’s most sought-after authors and speakers and will particularly address some of the most relevant topics in our rapidly changing world.”
In addition, she revealed that ACBF will be announcing exciting new partnerships and initiatives for the general public to participate in.
To learn more and register for the 2022 Akada Children’s Book Festival, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Twitter for more updates.
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