“We created The KidLit Fest so that Nigerian children could see themselves in the heart of stories, art, and ideas. We want them to not only read books but also meet the writers, illustrators, and performers who make them, and to know that their own voices and imaginations are powerful enough to take the stage too.” – Sope Martins, Founder

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The 2026 festival programme included:

• The Book Café: a dedicated Junior and Senior Book Cafés where authors read to children within the age groups their books were written for, creating an engaging and age-appropriate reading experience

• GEN ONE Talks: a platform for young speakers to share their ideas and put their public-speaking skills into practice

• The SPIN Spelling Bee: where children demonstrated their spelling ability, confidence and composure before a live audience

• The Craft Corner: with hands-on creative activities led by CraftyKids Corner and other creative partners

• Games and Recreational Activities: featuring group games, challenges, physical activities and interactive experiences inspired by The KLF Games theme.

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Families can also explore vendor stalls, food stands, and interactive spaces designed for fun and learning. Parents and educators will find sessions and panels on literacy, creative education, and the future of children’s publishing in Nigeria.

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With its mix of books, art, performance, and community, The KidLit Fest has become one of Lagos’ most exciting family festivals, inspiring children to read, create, and celebrate stories that reflect their world.