The Book Buzz Foundation has launched 20 new Nigerian children’s picture books under the Nigerian Picture Book Project (NPBP), sponsored by the European Union. The books were created by Nigerian writers and illustrators. The Director of Book Buzz Foundation, Ms Lola Shoneyin, stated that the books aim to help children learn about Nigeria's diverse cultures. She emphasized the impact of illustrated books on children and the need for Nigerian children to have access to quality books.
Ms Shoneyin noted that there is a significant gap in the availability of children's books in Nigeria compared to international standards. She mentioned that she has visited several international book fairs and observed the value placed on children's books abroad. Shoneyin expressed her desire to create a pipeline that enables Nigerian writers and illustrators to compete internationally. The books will be available in digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
The books cover various themes, including historical fiction, anthropomorphic stories, and tales rooted in Nigerian culture. One of the books, "Bakura's Big Mistake," is set in the old Borno Empire. The stories aim to promote diversity, inclusion, and values while being fun and engaging for children. Shoneyin emphasized the importance of celebrating Nigeria's diversity and promoting cultural awareness among children.
The Book Buzz Foundation collaborated with writers and illustrators from different geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The writers were paired with illustrators from other regions to encourage research and cultural exchange. Shoneyin mentioned that the writers learned significantly during their research and that the project promoted accuracy and authenticity in the stories.
The European Union is the main sponsor of the project, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria will attend the celebrations. The launch event was held in the North, with another event planned in the South. The Book Buzz Foundation aims to make the books widely available to promote a reading culture among Nigerian children.
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba, emphasized the importance of providing Nigerian children with quality, culturally relevant books. She commended the Book Buzz Foundation, the European Union, and other partners for supporting the initiative. Garba stressed that reading is a crucial foundation for effective learning and that the books will contribute significantly to the development of Nigerian children.
Dr. Garba congratulated the 24 young Nigerian women whose creativity and commitment produced the books. She described their work as an investment in the future of the country. The UBEC boss noted that the significance of the initiative goes beyond the launch of books, emphasizing that "it is about the child." The project aims to promote a lasting reading culture and strengthen foundational learning among Nigerian children.
Key points
- The Book Buzz Foundation has launched 20 new Nigerian children’s picture books to promote cultures and diversity.
- The books aim to help children learn about Nigeria's diverse cultures and promote a reading culture.
- The project was sponsored by the European Union and collaborated with writers and illustrators from different geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
