Key points
- Smids Animation Studios and the National Theatre partnered to expand children’s access to animation and cultural education.
- The collaboration was showcased during the second edition of the Toontopia children’s animation festival in Lagos.
- Organisers said the initiative is designed to strengthen African identity and storytelling among young audiences.
- Participation at the festival increased from 70 children last year to 200 this year.
- Stakeholders said creative and digital skills development is essential for Nigeria’s future competitiveness.
Main Story
Smids Animation Studios and the National Theatre have partnered to create opportunities for Nigerian children to develop creative, cultural and digital skills while encouraging stronger engagement with African storytelling and identity.
The organisations disclosed this in a statement issued by Smids Animation Studios on Friday in Lagos.
According to the statement, the second edition of Toontopia, a children’s animation festival recently held at the renovated National Theatre, connected young participants with African narratives and introduced them to opportunities within the creative industry.
The organisers said the collaboration has expanded access to animation, storytelling and cultural education for children through workshops, screenings and practical learning activities.
Chief Executive Officer of Smids Animation Studios, Mrs Dami Solesi, said the initiative was developed to address gaps in children’s media consumption and improve the representation of African identities in content targeted at young audiences.
According to Solesi, many children consume foreign animated content with limited exposure to Nigerian or African stories, making it important to create platforms that help them connect with their cultural roots.
She explained that Toontopia has grown beyond an entertainment event into a learning platform where children can explore illustration, animation, storytelling and other creative disciplines while building confidence and self-expression.
General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele, said the partnership aligns with the institution’s commitment to inclusive programming and broader engagement with younger audiences.
Akerele noted that participation increased significantly from 70 children in the previous edition to 200 children this year.
She added that the programme supports the National Theatre’s wider vision of promoting innovation, education and family-oriented cultural experiences, with additional child-focused initiatives planned for later in the year.
Also speaking, the Head of Product and Strategy at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Taiwo Ala, said exposing children to creative learning and digital skills was necessary for preparing them to compete globally in the future.
The Issues
- Limited representation of African stories and identities in children’s media consumption.
- The need for increased access to creative and digital education for young Nigerians.
- Sustaining long-term investment in child-focused cultural and creative initiatives.
What’s Being Said
- Mrs Dami Solesi said: “We believe children should remain connected to their history and culture and see themselves reflected in the stories they consume. That philosophy is central to everything we do.”
- Mrs Tola Akerele said: “It is very important to us because part of our responsibility is to ensure our programmes are accessible to everyone. Last year, we had 70 children; this year, we have 200.”
- Mr Taiwo Ala said: “It is important that we channel the minds and energy of our children in the right direction. They are here acquiring skills that can position them to compete globally in the future.”
What’s Next
- Organisers plan to expand child-focused programmes and creative learning activities at the National Theatre.
- Smids Animation Studios will continue using Toontopia as a platform for creative education and African storytelling.
- Stakeholders are expected to explore additional partnerships to strengthen access to animation and digital skills training for children.
Bottom Line
Through the Toontopia animation festival and a broader partnership framework, Smids Animation Studios and the National Theatre are promoting cultural education, creative expression and digital skill development among Nigerian children while encouraging stronger representation of African stories and identities.
