Readbug LitFest 2026 To Inspire Young Minds Through Stories That Build Worlds

Readbug LitFest, the first children’s literary festival in Abuja dedicated to nurturing a love of reading and storytelling among young Nigerians, is set to bring together children, parents, educators, authors and literary enthusiasts for its 2026 edition.

Themed “Stories That Build Worlds”,
The festival aims to create an engaging space where children can discover the power of books, explore their imaginations and develop the confidence to express themselves through reading, writing and other creative activities.

Building on its inaugural edition in 2025, Readbug LitFest continues its commitment to making reading an exciting and accessible experience for children. Through interactive literary activities, educational engagements (such as the Readbug litfest spelling bee), and opportunities to connect with writers and other creative professionals.

This year’s edition is tomorrow, October 17, at the Merry Makers Event Centre, Wuse 2, in Abuja.

With Stories That Build Worlds as its guiding theme, Readbug LitFest 2026 celebrates the role of literature in shaping young minds, inspiring creativity and helping children make sense of themselves and the world around them.

According to the organisers, a key feature of this year’s programme is a reading spelling bee competition designed to encourage vocabulary development, language proficiency and healthy academic competition among schoolchildren. The initiative will engage pupils at the primary and junior secondary levels, providing a platform for them to demonstrate their skills and celebrate the joy of learning.

Speaking about the vision behind the festival, Aysha Abdullahi, Festival Organiser, said, “Children deserve opportunities to encounter stories that expand their understanding of the world and help them imagine what is possible. With Readbug LitFest, we want to make reading something children look forward to, not simply something they are required to do in school. We also want to bring together the people and organisations who share our belief in the importance of raising a generation of readers.”

Beyond the festival itself, Readbug LitFest seeks to build stronger connections between schools, families, publishers, literacy advocates and organisations interested in supporting children’s education and development.

The event, which seeks to nurture a generation of curious, confident and imaginative young readers, welcomes participation from schools, parents, authors, publishers, literacy organisations and prospective sponsors interested in supporting the festival and its wider mission.

The organisers are particularly interested in partnerships with businesses, foundations, educational institutions and corporate organisations committed to literacy, youth development and access to books.