Lola Shoneyin, an author and founder of Ouida Books, is spearheading initiatives to build a picturebook culture in Nigeria that can compete globally. With the Lagos International Festival of Illustration scheduled for 2025, Shoneyin reflects on the absence of African publishers at international book fairs, particularly the Bologna Children's Book Fair, which has highlighted the need for a stronger representation of African creativity.
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Shoneyin has attended the Bologna fair multiple times, noting that the representation of African publishing is insufficient given the continent's immense creative potential. A program called Spotlight on Africa, designed to promote African publishers at the fair, emphasizes the challenge faced by Nigerian publishers in securing participation, citing financial barriers that can easily reach €2,000 for attendance.
The gap between African and European publishing is often attributed to a lack of resources. To participate effectively in international rights marketplaces, publishers must offer a robust catalogue, yet many African publishers struggle with this requirement due to limited production capacity. Shoneyin highlights the disparity in visibility and infrastructure for Nigerian children's writers and illustrators compared to their adult literature counterparts.
Recognizing the need for change, Shoneyin launched the Nigerian Picture Book Project in 2024 with the goal of publishing 100 children’s books by 2027. The initiative includes training programs for aspiring illustrators and writers, enabling participants to develop skills specific to children’s literature. Given that Nigeria has a population of over 100 million children, the project aims to address the serious lack of quality children's titles in the market.
The initiative recently produced 21 children's book manuscripts focused on diverse themes, with 20 slated for publication in October. This effort is a step toward fostering a sustainable ecosystem for children's literature in Nigeria, emphasizing the cultural richness inherent in the country’s diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Moreover, Shoneyin has organized the Lagos International Festival of Illustrations to expose local illustrators to international expertise, bringing in guests from Slovenia and other countries to teach and inspire.
As Shoneyin articulates her vision for a thriving picturebook culture, she is committed to establishing organizations that will sustain these efforts beyond temporary training programs or festivals. The establishment of the Center for Illustrations in Lagos aims to create lasting resources for future generations of Nigerian children to engage with literature that reflects their world.
The upcoming edition of the festival in 2026 will continue to focus on advancing Nigerian literature and illustration, with a broader plan to train, publish, and celebrate new creators in the field. Shoneyin's multifaceted approach shows her determination to develop a rich literary landscape for children in Nigeria, firmly rooted in local culture and poised to participate on a global stage.