20 Nigerian Picture Books Bring Culture, Diversity To Children

The Book Buzz Foundation has unveiled 20 new Nigerian children’s picture books aimed at promoting reading, cultural diversity and inclusion among young Nigerians. The books, produced under the Nigerian Picture Book Project (NPBP) with support from the European Union, were written and illustrated by young Nigerian creatives drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Speaking at the launch, Director of the Book Buzz Foundation, Lola Shoneyin, said the project was created to bridge gaps in Nigerian children’s literature and to give young readers stories that reflect their cultures, histories and everyday experiences.

Shoneyin said quality illustrated books could help children develop imagination, confidence and a stronger appreciation of their heritage. According to her, the project also seeks to position Nigerian children’s literature for international recognition by creating a pipeline that enables local writers and illustrators to compete globally.

She said the project deliberately paired creatives from different regions, requiring them to research cultures outside their own backgrounds. “Some of the writers were saying that we learnt more during our research than what I learnt in NYSC,” she said, explaining that the approach exposed the participants to unfamiliar traditions, symbols and cultural practices.

Shoneyin also highlighted the project’s focus on diversity and inclusion, noting that some of the books feature characters with disabilities and special needs.

She said representing such characters in everyday situations could help Nigerian children develop empathy and challenge negative perceptions of people living with disabilities. “What these people need is our empathy. Anyone who has any disability or special needs, what they deserve is empathy, support and friendship and trust.”

The books also explore history, culture, values and everyday childhood experiences, while some use animals as characters to make the stories entertaining and accessible to young readers.

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Aisha Garba, represented by her Special Assistant, Ibrahim Gold, described the project as an investment in Nigerian children and the country’s future. Garba said quality, culturally relevant books were essential to strengthening foundational learning and developing a lasting reading culture. She noted that when children encounter familiar names, places, cultures and experiences in books, they are more likely to connect with the stories and develop an interest in reading.

“The real test of these books will begin after today,” she said. “It will be the little girl who picks up one of these books and says, ‘This story is about people like me.’” She urged stakeholders to ensure that the books reach children beyond the launch event.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) also backed the initiative, with the Director, Book Development Centre, Dr Judith Kanu, describing children’s literature as an important tool for intellectual, cultural and personal development. Kanu urged parents, teachers, librarians and caregivers to buy the books, read them with children and discuss the stories with them. “A book becomes truly valuable when it is opened, read, discussed, and enjoyed,” she said.

One of the authors, Nana Sule, who wrote Adeji and the Garden Eggs, told LEADERSHIP that her motivation was partly to create an opportunity to read with her child. She said illustrated books could make reading more engaging for children while helping them learn through stories and pictures.

The 20 books unveiled are Ariyo and the Spelling Tree; Etefolo and the Goat Thief; Talatu and the Desert Sates; Amaka and the Ants; No More Wet Sheets; What About the Boys; Okon Can’t Dance; Bakura’s Big Mistake; Dark Enough to Dance; Who Took My Akara; Oyin and the Special Marks; Adeji and the Garden Eggs; Maimuna Waits for Water; Awero Saves the Market Day; When the Bulldozers Came; Mmesoma and the Big Gully; Wheels of Sunshine; Emike and the Idu Mask; Ewatomi and the Magic Loom, and Rub and Shine.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Ms Masa P. Zmitek, Mr Gautier Mignot, Ms Jacqueline Ekpang, Ms Vanessa Lee, Mr Obi Asika, Mr Buchi Onyegbule, Ms Amuna Olufemi, Dr Judith Kanu, Prof Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad. The project may also explore making the books available on digital platforms.