The inaugural Smids Children’s Animation Festival at Mike Adenuga Centre brought creativity and learning to nearly 80 children, aiming to boost Nigeria’s animation industry
The inaugural **Smids Children’s Animation Festival brought a vibrant burst of colour and excitement to the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, last Saturday.
Nearly 80 children, aged eight to 12, gathered for a day immersed in animation, drawing, and imaginative play, marking a significant step in nurturing young Nigerian animators. The festival was a collaborative effort between the National Theatre and Smids Animation Studio.
Adetola Akerele, the General Manager and CEO of the National Theatre, extended a heartfelt welcome to the young participants. She encouraged them to embrace the learning opportunity while enjoying themselves.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for all of you because you’re learning about animation from a young age,” she said. “Focus, have fun, but be attentive and on your best behaviour. This is the beginning of your animation journey. We want you to open your minds to all the possibilities.”
Ms Akerele also highlighted the growing importance of animation within the arts and culture landscape. “Animation is an exciting and innovative expression of arts and culture.
We’re very grateful to the French Embassy, Alliance Française, and Smids for their support. We hope to do more of these activities, including one for teenagers soon.”
In an interview, Ms Akerele elaborated on the inspiration behind the event. “With Children’s Day coming up, we wanted something meaningful that would really engage the kids,” she explained.
“Animation is something children love, and it’s a great way to spark their creativity. Watching films, drawing characters, and using computers all in one day, it’s the kind of digital experience they enjoy.”
She also announced plans for a more extensive four-week summer programme, which will culminate in a production and help build essential skills like teamwork, discipline, punctuality, and learning lines.
Representing the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Special Adviser to the President, Moriam Ajaga, encouraged the children to believe in their creative potential.
“Your stories matter, your ideas are important, and the world is waiting to see what you will create. Many top animators started just like you with simple drawings and big dreams. Animation allows your dreams to walk, talk, and even fly.”
The Minister’s representative also outlined the government’s commitment to supporting the animation sector. “We want to grow Nigeria’s animation industry by providing tools, training, and access to opportunities. Through platforms like the Creative Leap Accelerator, animators will get funding, mentorship, and global exposure.”
Dami Solesi, CEO and Creative Director of Smids Animation Studios, expressed her excitement about the festival. “This is Toontopia, the very first children’s animation festival, and the kids are having a blast,” she enthused.
“We believe animation is a powerful tool, especially for children. Beyond cartoons, it can be used in education, empowerment, and cultural storytelling.”
Solesi particularly stressed the importance of telling authentic African stories through animation. “How do we share our language, food, and values through animation? That’s what I’m passionate about. We have so many folk tales and historical stories to pass down, and animation is a colourful and creative way to do that.”
She also noted that Smids has been running a two-week summer animation camp for eight years, with this festival building on that foundation. “We want more children to join the world of animation, to learn, explore, and tell their stories.”
During the festival, the children enjoyed watching animated films, including “Hadu” by SMIDS Studios. They also participated in engaging creative activities such as drawing, developing their own animations, and a fun sip-and-paint session, truly embodying the spirit of the Smids Children’s Animation Festival.
Business3 years ago
