What do you get when you mix African board games, a room full of spirited seniors, curious youth, and jollof rice? A heritage-packed good time!
Yesterday, we hosted the maiden edition of the Heritage Keepers Initiative, and it was everything we hoped for and more. Picture this: aunties and uncles with serious game faces battling it out over Opon Ayo (Mancala), Ludu, Draft, Snake & Ladder, and all kinds of classic local card games, the kind that once made you miss errands to keep your winning streak.
One senior smiled as she held the Ayo seeds, whispering, “I haven’t seen this in over 30 years.” Another shared how playing Ludu with her grandchildren reminded her of growing up in Ibadan, where neighbourhood tournaments were a weekend tradition.
The room came alive with stories, strategy, and spontaneous mentoring, a powerful reminder that culture is best passed on through shared experiences. This initiative was more than a game session; it was cultural integration in motion, where elders became teachers again, and the youth leaned in with curiosity and respect.
And because no African gathering, especially a Nigerian one, is complete without food, jollof rice was hot and ready! We had our Afro-Caribbean friends in the house, and the jollof wars soon broke out. After a few passionate debates and many satisfied tastebuds, it was unanimous (well, maybe slightly biased 😅): Nigerian jollof won the day!
The turnout was phenomenal. What was the feedback? Even better. Many attendees asked when the next session would be, while others lingered long after the games ended, exchanging memories and wisdom.
Thank you to the amazing Afroculture Media team for putting this together with heart and excellence. This is just the beginning; if yesterday was any indication, this summer will be unforgettable!
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