In a groundbreaking recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of African literary culture, the 2023 Brittle Paper African Literary Platform of the Year has been awarded to the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF). Founded by renowned children’s book author and PUNCH Nigeria Limited director, Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, the festival, which debuted in 2019, has proven to be a pivotal force in championing children’s literature in Nigeria.
The accolade was announced alongside other prestigious awards at the 9th edition of the Brittle Paper African Literary Awards. Notably, Ghanaian writer and culture curator Sylvia Arthur claimed the title of the 2023 Brittle Paper African Literary Person of the Year.
The awards, presented by Brittle Paper, aim to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to African literary culture and industry throughout the year.
In addition to ACBF and Aboderin-Talabi, other distinguished awardees include South African digital content creator Nokukhanya Ntsaluba, who secured the Social Media Influencer of the Year award, and Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure, recognized as the Publisher of the Year.
ACBF’s triumph was attributed to its commitment to fostering a safe and inspiring space for children to explore books and ideas. Prof Ainehi Edoro, the Editor of Brittle Paper, lauded ACBF for its role in shifting Nigerian literary culture and enabling infrastructural impact in the national literary space.
Aboderin-Talabi, not only an accomplished author but also the chairperson of the
Association of Children’s Authors and Illustrators of Nigeria, has dedicated 29 years to the publishing industry. Her passion for children’s literature and advocacy for improved literacy shines through the 12 books she has published. ACBF, as the first and largest Nigerian book festival exclusively for children, stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to the cause.
Commenting on the recognition, Edoro emphasized the festival’s significant impact, stating, “There is no doubt that ACBF is shifting Nigerian literary culture in ways that speak to the broader growth we are observing in African literature globally.”
Othuke Ominiabohs, the Publisher of Masobe Books, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Because of Talabi and the ACBF, the future of literature and the continent at large is so much brighter: for a child who reads is an adult who leads.”
The awards also celebrated Sylvia Arthur for her outstanding contributions toward promoting the visibility of African and African diaspora literature on social media platforms. Nokukhanya Ntsaluba received recognition as the Social Media Influencer of the Year, while Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure was honored as the 2023 Publisher of the Year for her dedication to Shona language literature.
In summary, the 2023 Brittle Paper African Literary Awards stand as a testament to the remarkable strides made by these individuals and platforms in advancing African literary culture and industry.
