A New Era for Nigerian Children’s Literature
The Nigeria Picture Book Project, a groundbreaking initiative launched by the Book Buzz Foundation in collaboration with the European Union, marks a significant milestone in the development of Nigerian children’s literature. This creative and capacity-building project is designed to promote authentic storytelling that reflects the diversity, languages, and cultural heritage of Nigeria.
The event took place on 17 October 2025 at Ouida in Opebi, Lagos, bringing together key stakeholders from literature, education, art, and cultural development. The launch celebrated a new chapter in Nigerian children’s book publishing, with a focus on creating high-quality picture books that resonate with the experiences of Nigerian children.
Goals of the Project
Supported by the European Union, the Nigeria Picture Book Project has three main objectives:
- Empower Nigerian Creatives: Through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative publishing opportunities, the initiative aims to support authors, illustrators, and publishers in developing their skills and producing quality work.
- Produce Locally Inspired Books: The project seeks to create picture books that reflect the realities of Nigerian children, helping them see themselves represented in stories that foster imagination, empathy, and pride in their identity.
- Build Sustainable Structures: By strengthening the children’s book ecosystem in Nigeria, the project hopes to establish long-term systems that support the growth of the industry.
This partnership represents 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.
Voices from the Launch
In her welcome address, Lola Shoneyin, Founder of Book Buzz Foundation, emphasized the importance of the project in training, publishing, and promoting new Nigerian voices in the global children’s book space. She described the initiative as a meeting point between storytelling and purpose, highlighting the potential impact of the books on young readers.
Shoneyin also spoke about the significance of representation in children’s literature. “Our children deserve to see faces like theirs, names that they recognize, and worlds that reflect their realities and dreams,” she said. “These stories would spark imagination, affirm identity, and introduce our youngest readers to the power of possibility.”
She expressed excitement about the process of creating these books, noting that it would involve writers finding their rhythm and illustrators honing their talents. “Watching this process unfold is the magic,” she added.
Expectations and Future Plans
Shoneyin outlined her expectations for the project, which will conclude with the release of 20 new children’s book titles distributed across all states in Nigeria. She encouraged attendees to return to celebrate, purchase, and share these books with the children in their lives.
Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the ECOWAS states, highlighted the EU’s role in supporting cultural initiatives both within Europe and internationally. He emphasized the importance of connecting people and creatives in poorer countries, helping them find sustainable economic models through the arts.
Mignot also mentioned the EU’s support for six programs in Africa aimed at strengthening relationships with the creative team. These programs focus on policy design, artists, festivals, museums, cultural institutions, and the creative economy.
Why Focus on Children’s Books?
Shoneyin explained that there is a pressing need to improve the quality, production, and accessibility of children’s books in Nigeria. “There’s a problem with children’s books in Nigeria. There’s a problem with quality. There’s a problem with production, and there’s an issue with access,” she noted.
She emphasized the importance of passing on stories and teaching children to think creatively about the future. “I want to see more Nigerian books for Nigerian children,” she said. “Nigerian children deserve to be able to see a book and when they open it, the landscape in the book looks familiar. It’s called representation.”
Training and Participation
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 area.
Shoneyin believes that by creating successful children’s books, the project will inspire more people to engage in the industry. “When people see that children’s books are doing well, it gives young people more options of what they can do when they’re older,” she said.
A New Beginning
The highlight of the event was when Shoneyin and Mignot unveiled the Nigeria Picture Book Project to enthusiastic applause. The vote of thanks given by Mazeedat Olutosin and the photo sessions that followed signaled not just the end of the launch but the beginning of an initiative set to transform the Nigerian children’s publishing sector.
