A new initiative aimed at expanding Nigerian children’s literature and promoting culturally relevant storytelling has been launched with a call for greater representation of local experiences in books written for young readers.
The initiative, Karanta Kids Foundation, was unveiled in Lagos under the theme ‘Storytelling that Empowers the Nigerian Child’, bringing together writers, illustrators, educators and literacy advocates.
Speaking at the event, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Foluke Oyeleye, said the foundation was established to address the scarcity of children’s books that reflect Nigerian realities.
According to her, while many Nigerians grew up reading international classics, there remains a need for stories that showcase local cultures, histories and achievements.
“I wanted to read about people who looked like me and grew up like me,” she said. “I wanted children to have access to stories that help them understand where they come from and what is possible for them.”
Oyeleye explained that the foundation has spent the past few years publishing books featuring notable Nigerians across sectors such as arts, literature, unity and sports.
The organisation is also producing fictional stories designed to help children identify with characters and settings that mirror their own experiences.
Co-founder, Adebola Rayo-Falade said representation plays a critical role in shaping children’s confidence and aspirations.
“When children see people who look like them achieving great things, it helps them believe they can do the same,” she said.
Beyond publishing books, the foundation plans to organise storytelling workshops, reading sessions and illustration programmes aimed at encouraging children to become creators, as well as consumers of stories.
Rayo-Falade said the organisation has already witnessed positive outcomes from its creative writing initiatives, with children demonstrating increased confidence after sharing their own stories publicly.
The launch also featured the presentation of The Mysteries of Praise, a children’s devotional book co-authored by Oyeleye and gospel singer, Dunsin Oyekan.
The book contains 21 Bible-based stories, interactive activities, games and discussion exercises designed to encourage family engagement and teach values through storytelling.
Participants at the launch argued that children’s literature remains an important tool for preserving culture, strengthening identity and nurturing imagination.
They called for greater support for Nigerian authors, illustrators and publishers working to expand the range and quality of books available to young readers.
For many at the event, the challenge extends beyond literacy. It is also about ensuring that Nigerian children grow up seeing themselves, their communities and their stories represented in the books they read.
