Grandpa Ajumobi sat on a lounger outdoors, looking at the sky every evening looking bored and lonely. Whenever his son comes back from work, during the hours when the sun begins to set and the sky changes from bright to golden orange. As the day ends, the air becomes cooler and calmer. The time that birds fly back to their nest and people begin to return home from work and school. The time when the noise of the day slowly fades as the streets grow quiet.
Iyabo and Junior, Papa Ajumobi’s grandson noticed their grandfather’s mood swing and decided to ask him what the problem was.
“Grandpa,” Junior called, “I have noticed you not being yourself for quite a while, sir. What is the problem? If I may ask, are you not comfortable visiting us?
Pa Ajumobi looked at the teenage boy and answered, “My son, get a chair and join me here if you wish to be here, “ and Junior went in to pick a plastic chair and as he was joining him outdoors, Iyabo also followed him and they sat with him.
“Grandpa, we are all ears, “ he answered with a shambolic giggle as they sat beside him. “ I am worried about you kids,” Pa Ajumobi said, looking at both of them, who stared at him confused.
“Grandpa, we are healthy and alright, why are you worried?” Iyabo inquired, blinking her eyes after the surprise announcement made by their grandfather.
“Every evening, I observe how the shadow becomes longer and the sun slowly disappears behind the trees and buildings. The sky becomes a mix of purple, red, and blue. This moment is beautiful and peaceful sometimes, people take walks or sit outside to enjoy the fresh breeze. As evening turns into night, the sky becomes darker and stars start to appear one by one. The moon rises and shines brightly in the sky. Light in the home and on the street comes on, lighting up the darkness. Night animals like crickets and owls begin to make sounds. This change from evening to night is a peaceful time and for leisure purposes but all is gone now”. He concluded.
The children still looked confused and had no idea what their grandfather was talking about.
Junior said, But grandpa, I don't see how all these affected us in any way, so why are you worried in particular?” as he looked at Iyabo, who nodded in agreement to him.
“During this leisure time, there are some activities that take place, but now everything looked as if nothing had happened during the time before,” he answered.
“What are the activities that happen and how does that affect us?” Iyabo takes on this time.
“During those hours are when children like you play outdoors games like Suwe( hopscotch), Tente and Boju-Boju( hide and seek), Ayo, tag Tinko-Tinko ( clapping game), and bottle cork soccer.” he looked seriously and continued.
“These games used simple local material like stones, sticks, sand bottle cork, or just movement and have low or no cost to play,” he smiled and continued as if it was engraved on him.
“ This game was played in groups, encouraging face-to-face socialization, teamwork, and bonding with peers”.
He then raised his jaw and eyebrows, smirked, and concluded with “ this game builds problem-solving, storyline, manual skill, physical strength, and encourages outdoor exploration”.
Both children laughed gigantically and chanted together “ But Grandpa, the world is sophisticated and those kinds of games and play are barbaric”
“Yes, I know, and that is why I am worried,” Pa Ajumobi answered.
“Grandpa, you needn't, I know you care for our well-being, but technology is everywhere and we must change with growth,” Junior said, trying to explain to him.
“Omode ko mo ogun, onpe lefo,” which means it is only a child that does not know herbs call it vegetables, he uttered and continued.
“ I know that most games you play now are indoor and digital games, which focus on screen, apps and online platforms which you use electronic devices which is costly and played solo or online multiplayer in which interaction happens virtually, not physically, won't it lead to shyness, isolation from physical peer and groups and imaginative play” he concluded.
Knowing where their grandfather is heading, they looked at each other and answered him together with “ Grandpa, don't worry, sir, we will always come stay with you when you are out here so you can teach us the game before, and also tell us moonlight stories”.
Pa Ajumobi answered, “ I love you all,” and they replied with "We love you too”.
Thanks for reading through my story.