A New Chapter in Nigerian Children’s Literature
Book Buzz Foundation, in collaboration with the European Union, has launched The Nigeria Picture Book Project, an innovative initiative aimed at promoting authentic Nigerian storytelling for children. This project is the first of its kind, focusing on creative and capacity-building efforts to transform the landscape of children’s literature in Nigeria.
The event took place on 17 October 2025 at Ouida in Opebi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from various fields such as literature, education, art, and cultural development. The goal was to celebrate a new chapter in Nigerian children’s book publishing and to highlight the importance of stories that reflect the country’s diversity, languages, and cultural heritage.
Empowering Nigerian Creatives
Supported by the European Union, the initiative seeks to empower Nigerian creatives through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative publishing opportunities. It aims to produce locally inspired picture books that help Nigerian children see themselves represented, fostering imagination, empathy, and pride in their Nigerian identity. Additionally, the project focuses on building sustainable structures that strengthen the children’s book ecosystem in Nigeria.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in creativity, cultural identity, and education. It ensures that the next generation of Nigerian children can access stories that celebrate who they are and where they come from.
A Vision for the Future
In her welcome address, Lola Shoneyin, founder of Book Buzz Foundation, emphasized the significance of the Nigeria Picture Book Project. She described it as a milestone for the next generation of writers and illustrators across Nigeria. The project is designed to train, publish, and propel new Nigerian voices into the global children’s book space.
Shoneyin highlighted the importance of representation, stating that children deserve to see faces like theirs, names that they recognize, and worlds that reflect their realities and dreams. The books created through this project would spark imagination, affirm identity, and introduce young readers to the power of possibility.
She also spoke about her expectations for the project: “When this project concludes, 20 new children’s book titles will be in circulation, and they will be sent to every state in Nigeria, thereby reflecting the nationwide focus of this project.” Shoneyin hopes that everyone will return to celebrate, purchase, and share these books with the children in their lives.
International Support and Collaboration
In his goodwill message, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the ECOWAS states, expressed delight at being at Ouida and noted that the project was launched after a few administrative hiccups. He explained that the EU has been supporting culture in Europe for many years and has recently expanded its efforts to include international cultural relations.
Mignot mentioned that the EU provides support through six programs launched in Africa to strengthen relationships with the creative team. These programs focus on policy design, artists, festivals, museums, cultural institutions, and the creative economy.
The Importance of Children’s Books
Shoneyin explained why children’s books are crucial. She pointed out that there are problems with quality, production, and access to children’s books in Nigeria. The project aims to encourage people to understand the critical importance of writing for children.
“Nigerian children deserve to be able to see a book and when they open it, the landscape in the book looks familiar,” Shoneyin said. She added that the goal is to disrupt and reinvigorate the children’s publishing sector.
Over a 12-month period, Book Buzz will train 24 writers and 24 illustrators between the ages of 21 and 30, with the goal of publishing 20 books. Twelve participants will be selected from each geopolitical zone, with six illustrators and six potential writers from each zone.
A Transformative Initiative
The high point of the event was when Shoneyin and Mignot unveiled the Nigeria Picture Book Project to an applause. The vote of thanks, given by Mazeedat Olutosin, and the photo sessions that followed signaled not just the end of the launch but also the beginning of an initiative set to transform the Nigerian children’s publishing sector.
