Resuscitating art of storytelling in Nigerian society

STORY! Story!! Story!!! A long time ago, there was a tortoise who had a wife. One day, he went to visit his mother’s wife…

Telling stories is part of the Yoruba culture, but this way of life is fast disappearing, especially among the younger generation.

In the years gone by, when there is moonlight, children gather around elders, who tell them folklore in order to entertain, educate, as well as inculcate morals in them. The stories usually centre on why it is important one imbibe certain virtues, while doing away with others like violence, greediness, cultism, drug abuse, among other negative virtues. The stories also teach the children the need to respect elders,

During this time, children are also taught proverbs, folk songs, among others, thereby promoting the tribe’s culture.

However, this aspect of our cultural life is being eroded due to the influence of technology. Children of nowadays prefer to browse the social media on their mobile phones, listen to songs or even watch digital television, than go to their parents demanding to be told stories.

The busy lifestyle embraced by parents is also contributing to the decline of the storytelling culture, as most parents go to their work or business places and don’t return until late in the evening, and by this time, they will be so tired to even tell their children stories.

While this is no fault of the children or their parents, it is important that certain steps are taken in order to preserve this important part of our identity.

For example, the traditional and cultural leaders should promote the art of storytelling among their subjects.

Media and cultural organisations should also come up with programmes that will project the art of storytelling. Quiz competitions can be organised in this regard, and it will go a long way in making our youth embrace this aspect of our culture.

Though some may think telling stories may not be important today as it was in the years gone by, when this part of our culture is resuscitated, it will definitely help bring back the positive virtues among our children, since most stories teach the need to be hardworking, while shunning certain vices.

Akinwumi is Education Officer, National Commission for Museum and Monuments, Ibadan, Nigeria.