The Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has formally endorsed the Nigerian Comic Book Industry Report, published by Bookause Nigeria in partnership with The African Comics and Cinematic Empire (TheACE).
The endorsement follows a meeting between TheACE’s Founder and Editor, Mujeeb Jummah, and the Ministry’s leadership on 20th July 2026, during which the Report and TheACE’s wider work were formally presented. Jummah was accompanied by Erivic Adedayo, Convener of Comic Con Ibadan and creator of Afroblot, an original African art style, who briefed the Ministry on an upcoming project built around the style. In a letter dated 22nd July 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, confirmed the Ministry’s support, describing comics as “a medium capable of strengthening intellectual and creative development among young people” and welcoming TheACE’s efforts to bring the Report into schools, libraries, galleries, and other cultural institutions across the State.
The Report itself presents a comprehensive study of Nigeria’s comic book ecosystem, drawing on creator insights, market observations, and sector analysis to propose recommendations around industry infrastructure, funding access, intellectual property development, youth engagement, education, and the global exportation of Nigerian stories through visual media. It was formally launched at Comic Con Ibadan 2026, held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.
Adedayo’s own project has become one of the most closely watched developments in African comic art. His style, Afroblot, first introduced through the 2024 comic book Jogunomi, employs a four-tone palette of red, black, off white, and grey, and has steadily gained adoption among comic and digital artists beyond Nigeria. The style was the subject of a dedicated exhibition, Afroblot: The Experience, held at Krates Lagos in 2025.
The endorsement arrives as TheACE marks its second anniversary. Founded in July 2024, the platform has since reached over 150,000 unique social media accounts, recorded more than 5,000 monthly engagements, spotlighted over 100 creators and projects combined, and built a digital presence that has reached 20 African countries.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mujeeb Jummah said the endorsement was proof that the platform’s work was being recognised where it mattered. “It tells every creator we have documented that their industry is being taken seriously by the institutions that can help it grow,” he said.
Adedayo, who joined Jummah at the meeting, said the recognition strengthens the case for African visual storytelling on the world stage. “Afroblot is proof that African visual storytelling can set the pace globally, not just follow it,” he said. “Having the State’s backing behind this work makes the case even stronger.”
TheACE says the endorsement will support its continued rollout of the Report to schools, libraries, and cultural institutions across Nigeria in the coming months.
