The seventh edition of the African Children Festival gathered over 300 children from Lagos and Ogun States to mark the International Day of the African Child.
Held at the Nigerian Institute of Sports Auditorium in Surulere, Lagos, the event returned after a seven-year hiatus, offering children the chance to celebrate African culture through music, dance, visual art, debate, and quiz competitions.
Founded in 2007, the festival was created as a platform to help young Nigerians rediscover traditional African values. This year’s theme, “Reawakening Our Identity with Our Future Leaders,” highlighted the importance of engaging children in cultural preservation. The long break since the last edition in 2017 was due to funding challenges and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the organisers.
Festival Director Mensah Paul said the event faced hurdles in securing sponsors but emphasised its importance. “The African Children Festival helps children aged five to sixteen to understand who they are. Culture is not just heritage; it is identity, dignity, and pride. We are proud to have overcome these challenges to bring the festival back,” he said.
The 2025 edition introduced new competitions, including essay writing and creative arts, and featured a debate on the topic “Cultural Practices Should Be Prioritised Over Western Influences.” Other highlights included dramatic performances, cultural dances, and the King and Queen Pageant. We-Ellite School, Magboro, Ogun State, claimed both the Creative Arts competition and the pageant titles, earning the honour of Cultural Ambassadors for this edition.
Jimoh Moridiyah of Eric Moore High School, Surulere, won the Essay Competition. “We only learned about the essay that morning, so winning came as a huge surprise. I am grateful for the chance to participate. It was an empowering moment for me,” she said. Government College Junior Boys won the debate, successfully arguing for prioritising cultural practices over unchecked Western influence.
The Lagos State Government endorsed the festival through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. Speaking on behalf of Commissioner Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Director of Research Mr. Olumide Shomoye said, “Reconnecting our children to their cultural roots is essential. Festivals like this nurture pride and moral values and help position Nigeria on the global cultural map. It is a shared responsibility of the government, schools, parents, and cultural advocates, and we must work together to bridge the gap.”
The African Children Festival aligns with the International Day of the African Child, which commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa. Thousands of Black schoolchildren had taken to the streets to protest against inferior education and demand instruction in their own language. Over 100 were killed, and many more were injured.
The African Union officially recognised the day in 1991 to honour their courage and call for children’s rights across the continent.
