As the weekend approaches, it’s time to dust off those cherished memories and embark on a journey back to the golden era of our childhood. For many of us who grew up in Nigeria, our fondest recollections are often intertwined with the vibrant quality of traditional games that filled our days with laughter and boundless joy.

Who can forget the rhythmic chants echoing through the streets as children gathered to engage in timeless classics like “Ten Ten,” “Suwe,” “After Round One” and “Ayo”? These games were not just mere pastimes; they were rituals that brought communities together, transcending age, gender, and social status.

Ten Ten
The rhythmic dance of Ten Ten! Picture this: children standing face to face, their hands clapping in perfect harmony as their feet move to the beat of the game. The challenge? To avoid raising a leg directly facing their opponent’s. It’s a delicate balance of coordination and concentration, where one wrong move could tip the scales in favor of the opposing player.

Suwe: A game of strategy and agility that tested both physical prowess and mental acuity. Armed with nothing but a stick and a heap of sand or chalk, players would trace intricate patterns on the ground, challenging their opponents to navigate the maze without faltering. With each successful leap and bound, players inched closer to victory, their determination fuelled by the cheers of bystanders egging them on.

Ayo:
The game of wits and cunning that captivated players for hours on end? With a wooden board and a handful of seeds as their weapons of choice, opponents would engage in a battle of strategic maneuvers, each move calculated to outsmart their adversary and claim victory. The stakes were high, but the thrill of the game kept players coming back for more, eager to prove their mettle in the heat of competition.

I call on Number:
like a rallying cry, summoning children from far and wide to join in the exhilarating game of counting and coordination. With lightning-fast reflexes and keen attention to detail, we raced against time to locate the elusive numbers, each discovery met with triumphant cheers and jubilant celebrations.

After round one:
After round one, original Panadol extra, otun gbe de… Remember the song???
The game of number selection, where the last person remaining faces a series of slaps from everyone else, attempting to dodge each one. There were individuals whose palms were so swift that dodging seemed impossible, leaving the back of your hand tingling from their precise strikes.

As we reflect on these cherished memories, let us not only celebrate the games themselves but also the precious moments of laughter, friendship, and innocence that they brought into our lives. Though the years may pass and the world may change, the spirit of our childhood games will forever remain etched in the tapestry of our memories.