**By Modupe Gbadeyanka**
In a delightful celebration of creativity and literature, renowned author Ms. Lola Soneyin has been honored with the inaugural *Children’s Book of the Year* award at the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) 2024. The festival, which took place on October 26 in the vibrant city of Lagos, drew an impressive crowd of over 1,315 attendees, showcasing its vital role in fostering literacy and cultural pride among Nigeria’s youth.
Soneyin’s award-winning picture book, *Anyibo and the Mother Hen*, serves as a testament to the beauty and importance of storytelling for children. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she emphasized the need for inclusive representation in literature, sharing her commitment to spotlighting not just the experiences of middle-class children, but also those from less privileged backgrounds.
“It brings me immense joy to be part of an event that celebrates and uplifts our stories,” Soneyin remarked. Her passion for empowering young minds shines through her work, reflecting a vision for a future where every child feels valued and recognized.
The ACBF is not just an award ceremony; it is the largest festival dedicated to children’s literature in Nigeria, aiming to engage young readers and cultivate a love for reading from an early age. As Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, the convener of the festival, noted, “We are inspired by the impact of bringing children, authors, and educators together to celebrate the beauty and power of stories.”
This year’s festival was filled with engaging activities tailored for children and their families. Participants enjoyed dramatic presentations, creative workshops, and even a chess tournament, blending learning with fun. An extensive array of interactive sessions included a STEM exhibition, crafts, jigsaw puzzles, and word games, encouraging children to unleash their creativity while deepening their connection to literature.
The event also provided parents and educators with insightful sessions designed to enhance their children’s literacy development. Workshops for aspiring authors offered a nurturing environment for literary growth among adults, creating a holistic ecosystem dedicated to fostering storytelling in Nigeria.
As the ACBF continues to grow, it remains committed to ensuring that children discover and appreciate the joy of reading literature that resonates with their own experiences. With every festival, the dream of nurturing a new generation of readers and thinkers in Nigeria becomes a beautiful reality.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from this thriving literary event that is paving the way for the future of African children’s literature!
#Nigeria #WorldNews #Lifestyle
