LAGOS: In a major stride toward positioning Nigerian illustrators and creative artists for global recognition, the Lagos International Festival of Illustration (LIFI) made its grand debut in Lagos. The festival, organized by Book Buzz Foundation in collaboration with Bookstorm, held its inaugural edition recently at Ouida House, Ikeja, drawing widespread commendation for its creativity and vision.GMAIL.
The three-day event was a vibrant celebration of Nigerian art, culture, and creative talent. LIFI serves as a pioneering platform dedicated to nurturing and promoting the art of children’s book illustration, creating opportunities for Nigerian illustrators to engage and collaborate with the global creative community.
During the festival, 45 emerging Nigerian artists, selected through an open registration process participated in intensive workshops, lectures, panel discussions, networking sessions, and live art demonstrations.
They were mentored by nine internationally acclaimed illustrators from Spain, Slovenia, and Latin America, including:
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From Spain: Emma Casadevall Sayeras, Miriam Persand, and Marta Cartu
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From Slovenia: Maša P. Žmitek, Eva Mlinar, and Matej de Cecco
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From Latin America: Geraldine de León, Caio César Coutinho Gonçalves da Silva, and Gina Rosas Moncada
According to Lola Shoneyin, CEO of Book Buzz Foundation and Festival Director of LIFI 2025, the initiative is part of a broader goal to highlight 100 children’s books written and illustrated by Nigerians by 2027, thereby showcasing the depth and diversity of local talent on the global stage.
The festival’s success was made possible through partnerships and sponsorship from the European Union, IBBY Africa, Lagos State Government, Sterling Bank, Centro Ilustracije, Ouida, Embajada de España en Nigeria, AECID, and Espara Cooperación.
The event commenced with a grand opening ceremony featuring a welcome address by Lola Shoneyin and a goodwill message from José María Ferré Savall, Consul General of Spain in Lagos, who expressed optimism about the long-term collaboration between the Spanish Embassy and Book Buzz Foundation. K. R. Onimole, an illustrator associated with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, also shared his inspiring professional journey.
Participants were divided into three groups A, B, and C, each paired with illustrators from Spain, Slovenia, and Latin America. The structure allowed participants to immerse themselves in distinct artistic traditions, learn global techniques, and receive one-on-one mentorship.
The festival concluded with an awards ceremony, where participants received certificates of excellence, gifts, and special recognitions from the organizers and partners.
The maiden edition of LIFI has set a strong foundation for what promises to be an enduring platform for creative exchange, cultural collaboration, and international recognition of Nigerian illustrators.
