Why I Came Online

I had access to mobile phone in my teens years ago, however due to the type of phone back in those days, I had limited access to the internet. Then came trending social media platforms like Facebook, 2go and chat messages which can easily connect one person to another and even strangers. It was fun. I became an observer trying to place my head around the technology. I will go through posts and watch other people create things.

At that time, I was just curious to know what was going on outside my environment and flow with the trend. Most people wanted to have the Professional badge on 2go while some were targeting 5k friends on Facebook and majorly white people.

My secondary School frowned at the use of gadgets but students still found a way to sneak it in to show certain things they just discovered with their friends in school both positive and negative. I never brought mine but I saw what others were doing and tried it out on my phone by the time I got home.

I know how disruptive online activities and movies could be.
Now in recent time, I noticed kids and teenagers just like us in those days, they enjoy some cartoons and some programs which were said to be meant for kids and they all have interesting names.

Most of these cartoons and programs are now being uploaded online so anyone can watch.
I usually hear people say that it sharpen the child’s brain and help them speak English better with a Foreign accent sometimes and to some extent, I agree with thath. However there are some negative sides of it that I'm going to reveal.

One afternoon, something happened that made me have a rethink.

My little relatives came around and since I was a little busy, they requested to watch Cartoons while waiting. I was cool with that, at least I could focus and finish my chores without being interrupted.

Moments later I saw how excited they were regarding the cartoon and I became curious about knowing what is so exciting about the cartoon. I had to join them in watching a particular cartoon.

At first glance, it looked harmless and cool with interesting characters, catchy songs. But after a few minutes, I realized there was more to it than I thought.

Then came the utmost shock. What seemed like a “kid-friendly” cartoon series were actually scenes that should be rated 18+ which every reasonable African parent would definitely frown at. I wouldn't want to go into details of the "Children's Cartoon".
It seemed so innocent that a passing adult might not notice at a glance unless you settle down to watch.

I looked at my little relatives but they were too engrossed in it to notice my cold stare. They laughed like it was the nothing serious.

From their reactions, it was obvious this was not the first time they had watched it. I wasted no time in changing the channel. Instantly, Complaints were flying around as they felt bad that I was disrupting their cartoon.

That was my wake-up call.

I realized there was something we were gradually lossing which is our identity.

If we keep feeding our eyes and minds with such, it few decades to come, what once seemed like a taboo to an African man might start looking normal.

Our African culture does not promote certain values which are being planted in kids’ minds through some of these western cartoons unknowningly.

Growing up, we had our own enriching ways of entertaining children: folk tales under the moonlight, the egwu ọnwa (full moon dance), traditional games, proverbs, and riddles that taught wisdom.

But Western technology has quietly erased much of that. For instance, tales by moonlight with streaming platforms, and now some cartoons and programs online though entertaining some times side effects which includes promoting some negative values that clash with our traditions.

In addition, it gives overexposure to Western ways while African languages fade away gradually.

It seems to have become part of Today's reality in the life of both kids, teenagers and even adults and this reduces family interaction time in favor of screen time.


That day, I had this thought. Now if cartoons can influence children this much, why can’t we create something that entertains and protects the African identity? Instead of allowing them to adapt solely to Western language and culture, there should be a way to teach them our language, our stories, our dances and still keep it fun and engaging.

This curiosity gave birth to the idea of A–Z of Igbo Made Easy.

I decided to use the internet not just to pass time but to build a platform that could help children and adults whether in Nigeria or the diaspora to learn the Igbo language which is one of the country's major languages, as a way to embrace the beauty of African traditions. We bring back the excitement of folk tales, cultural songs, games, and expressions, but present them in a modern, interactive way so Kids, teenagers and even adults can feel connected.

Curiousity and fun made me come online.

I stayed because I found a mission Which I feel everyone should partake in.
This mission is for you too. Together, we can keep our language and culture alive.

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