“This initiative is more than a competition.”

Read-A-Create, a creative learning initiative, has scheduled the inaugural children’s creativity festival in Northern Nigeria for July 4, 2026. A groundbreaking initiative designed to celebrate and nurture the artistic and literary talents of young people, the festival is the first of its kind in the region offering children the opportunity to showcase their imagination through both creative writing and visual arts.

Planned by organizers as “a platform for young voices,” the festival is committed to empowering children to express themselves through storytelling and art.

Speaking about the event, Namse Udosen Ph.D., founder of Read-A-Create said: “This initiative is more than a competition—it is a movement to give children in Northern Nigeria a platform to imagine, create, and share their voices with the world.” 

 The Art Prize of the festival invites children age 7–15 to create original works inspired by Nigerian stories, culture, and characters. Submissions may include paintings, drawings, clay work, or metal work, with themes ranging from traditional heritage to futuristic visions of Nigerian society. 

The Poetry Slam category, which is backed by Bash Amuneni and Lagos Poetrython, is offering a N50,000 grand prize. Children based in Kaduna and between 7-15 years of age, are to record a 1-minute video on the topic, “Creativity gives me wings.”

The Creative Writing Prize challenges young writers to craft short stories that reimagine Nigerian folktales, traditions, and contemporary life. With categories for juniors (300 words, age 7–10) and seniors (500 words, age 11–15), the competition emphasizes originality, problem-solving, and creative thinking beyond clichés.

In addition to certificates, creative learning gifts, and an online publication of selected works, the top three winners in the art and creative writing categories will receive N50,000, N30,000, and N20,000 respectively. Winning entries will also be on exhibition during the Read-A-Create Festival.

Beyond encouraging creativity rooted in Nigerian identity, the festival aims to inspire a new generation of thinkers, makers, and dreamers. 

Submissions for the competition close on May 30, 2026 and should be sent via email to: readacreate@gmail.com.