Although the seeds and pebbles game known variously in Nigeria as ayo,okwe,nsa-isong,dara,warri etc is played all over the world, there seems a concensus that it originated from Africa.Its recent resurgence is, unfortunately like other elements of our culture, being engineered from outside the continent.Most computerised versions that have seen the light of day have originated from Europe while systematised internationalisation is led by France and Britain.
Here in Nigeria, in spite of our claimed commitment to the promotion of traditional sports and games, we are finding it difficult to decide that a competition in this game should be part of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) although this would be the 33rd time the festival is being held.
Can anybody wonder then that the International Oware Society's world and African rankings do not feature even one Nigerian even though this is the favourite game of prominent citizens like General Olusegun Obasanjo and Major General Shuwa(rtd) ?
Of course,it is not all a negative story.My work on Nsa-Isong was itself triggered off by the decades-long efforts of Mrs Viloetta Ekpo,the Uyo NCMM,the AKS Traditional Sports Association and Engineer Mfon Amana. There is also a report of an annual competition sponsored by the proprietor of The Tent Manor ( a hotel in Uyo) while there is at least one school in the FCT that practices planned learning and competition amongst its pupils.Clearly this does not exhaust the list of efforts.
The real problem is that the enemy of the beautiful is the more beautiful. Our efforts and achievements detailed above pale to nothing when put beside the reports coming from Britain ,France and other lands regarding the promotion of the game.
We certainly need to buckle up if we are not to suddenly discover that this is one more heritage we shall need to re-learn from foreigners.
This call is not merely sentimental either! When our youths especially engage seriously in this traditionally valued game for pecuniary and other rewards, it can be part of the solution to youth restiveness. It will engage their minds,keep them off the streets, raise their self-esteem and provide them a safe and legal source of income.
The time for action is NOW: please,please,please do not let us suffer the indignity of having foreigners teach our children our culture. Learn oware(ayo,dara,okwe,nsa-isong,warri,etc) today,teach it to your children and generally join in its promotion.
