By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A renowned author, Ms Lola Soneyin, has won the inaugural Children’s Book of the Year award at the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) 2024 held on Saturday, October 26 in Lagos.
She clinched the accolade for her picture book, Anyibo and the Mother Hen at the event, which attracted over 1,315 persons, highlighting its pivotal role in nurturing young minds and reinforcing the importance of literacy and cultural heritage in Nigeria.
“It brings me immense joy to be part of an event that celebrates and uplifts our stories. It was important for me to ensure every child is represented—not just middle-class children, but also those from humble backgrounds who are experiencing the real struggles of existing and surviving in today’s world.
“I want these children to feel seen, to know their stories matter, and to envision a future in which they can thrive,” the author said at the festival themed Read Your Way.
ACBF is the largest book festival dedicated exclusively to kids to encourage widespread engagement with children’s literature.
Business Post reports that other winners included Moyinoluwa, who went home with the illustration prize, and Tijani Hameeda took first place in the writing contest.
The convener of the programme, in its sixth edition, Mrs Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, said, “At the Akada Children’s Book Festival, we are inspired by the impact of bringing children, authors, and educators together to celebrate the beauty and power of stories.”
“This year, with over 1,300 young readers, parents, and educators joining us, we’ve deepened our commitment to making children’s literature accessible, vibrant, and reflective of all young readers.
“Seeing children connect with stories that represent their experiences and heritage is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to continue expanding these opportunities for young minds to explore, learn, and dream.
“Each activity, from the dramatic presentations to the creative workshops, was crafted to ignite a lifelong love for reading and cultural pride. We are thrilled by the response and look forward to furthering this enriching journey,” she added.
At this year’s event, local and international authors showcased their books. The children also had the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and discover new titles.
Engaging activities included a chess tournament, a STEM exhibition, sip and paint sessions, a sensory play area, arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles, word games and an art exhibition, all providing opportunities for children to express their creativity. Insightful sessions for parents and teachers offered guidance on supporting children’s literacy development, while professional workshops for writers created a platform for adults to learn and grow in their careers.