Convener of Nigeria’s first and largest book festival dedicated to children, Akada Children’s Book Festival, ACBF, Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, has said children must begin to see books not as distant objects on a shelf, but as stories created by people whose lives and experiences they can relate to.

Aboderin-Talabi said to ensure this, the ACBF has concluded plans to bring writers, illustrators and young readers into the same space for the programme.

She said this as the festival returns for its eighth edition on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic, continuing its mission to promote literacy and nurture a lifelong love of reading.

Themed: ‘Big Dreams, Brave Stories,’ the 2026 edition aims to celebrate the idea that bravery is not only about facing challenges, but also about following one’s heart, dreaming boldly and believing in oneself.

The theme highlights the power of storytelling to inspire young readers to imagine possibilities, embrace creativity, and see themselves as active participants in their own journeys.

Speaking on the eighth edition, Aboderin-Talabi said: “The festival continues to grow because parents, educators, publishers, and authors all recognise the need to expose children to story books early. By bringing writers, illustrators, and young readers into the same space, we are helping children see that books are not distant objects on a shelf, but stories created by people whose experiences they can relate to.”

This year’s edition promises a rich and engaging programme of activities designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and a love of reading, including Author-led book readings, storytime sessions, author meet-and-greets, book exhibitions and signings, prizes and book giveaways, book chat sessions, workshops for children, workshops for parents and teachers, announcement of the winners of the writing and illustration competitions, Scrabble tournament, chess tournament, theme song competition, SIP‑n‑Paint sessions, STEM activities, sensory play activities, drama, music and dance, and much more.