Deep in the forest, when the moon rose high, hundreds of fireflies would gather to light up the night sky. Together, they sparkled like tiny stars, bringing joy to all the animals.
But one little firefly named Lumo wasn’t happy. “Why should I shine with everyone else?” he thought. “If I fly alone, I’ll be the brightest of all!”
One night, Lumo flew away from the group. At first, he felt proud. His glow lit a small corner of the forest, and he imagined all the animals would admire him. But soon, he noticed it was very dark and lonely. His single light wasn’t enough to guide the animals safely through the forest paths.
Meanwhile, the other fireflies together lit the way for a family of deer, a rabbit, and even some owls. They laughed and enjoyed the beauty of the glowing night.
Lumo returned, tired and sad. The other fireflies welcomed him back warmly. That night, as they all shone together again, he realized something important:
“A single light may glow, but many lights together can brighten the world.”
Moral of the story: Working together makes us stronger and brighter than trying to shine alone
Kids and Health
What if I don’t like sports?
Not every child in Nigeria enjoys organized sports or team games. If this sounds like you, don’t worry.
Let’s talk about why some kids don’t like sports and how you can still stay active in ways that are fun and healthy. You might even discover a sport or activity you enjoy after all.
Learning about sports
Sometimes kids feel sports aren’t for them because they don’t understand the rules or haven’t had much practice.
Sports like football (soccer), basketball, and athletics can look complicated with all the rules, referees, and lines on the pitch or court. But remember, even the top players in the Super Eagles, D’Tigress, or Flying Eagles had to start somewhere — and they practiced for years.
If you want to learn, you could join a holiday camp or a school sports program that explains things step by step. Many schools in Nigeria also run intramural competitions where kids try different sports in a friendly environment.
You can also learn by watching matches on TV, checking out videos online, or asking an older sibling, cousin, or even a neighbor who plays to show you the basics.
And remember, you don’t have to aim for professional leagues sometimes sports like volleyball, handball, or table tennis can just be fun at inter-house sports or during Youth Service camps.
A bad sports experience
Some children stop liking sports because they once played in a school or community team and had a bad time. Maybe other kids seemed more skilled, or the pressure to win was too much.
In Nigeria, competition can be fierce whether it’s a school football match, inter-house sports, or even street football in your neighborhood. Sometimes teammates get upset when mistakes are made, and that can feel stressful.
But mistakes are normal, and no one should put you down for them. If that happens, it’s best to talk to your coach, a teacher, or your parents. Good sportsmanship is about respect.
And if your first experience wasn’t fun, you can always try again perhaps with a different sport or a more relaxed program. Some school or church leagues focus more on learning skills and teamwork than on winning at all costs.
The right sport for you
There are so many sports in Nigeria, and you may not have found your match yet. While football dominates, others like athletics, basketball, cricket, gymnastics, and taekwondo are gaining ground.
Some children are fast runners, others are strong, and some have great balance or coordination. You might discover you’re better at swimming, martial arts, or even cycling.
If you’re not into team sports, you can try individual ones. For example:
· Swimming, running, or cycling
· Martial arts like karate, taekwondo, or judo
· Gymnastics, tennis, or golf
· Skating or even bowling (in some Nigerian cities)
What’s the big deal about sports?
You may wonder why teachers, parents, and doctors encourage kids to be active. The reason is simple: sports and physical activity keep you fit, strong, and healthy.
Even if you don’t like sports, Nigeria has many other ways to stay active:
· Playing outside with friends
· Skipping rope or dancing to Afrobeats in your room
· Walking your dog or helping in the compound
· Washing the family car
· Working in the garden or on the farm during holidays
· Helping sweep the compound or fetch water
And here’s a tip: cutting down on screen time — TV, video games, or social media naturally gives you more time to move around.
The bottom line
You don’t have to play football or basketball to be active. What matters most is finding something that gets you moving and keeps you healthy.
Whether it’s dance, skating, martial arts, or simply helping out at home, there’s an activity out there that’s perfect for you
Quiz
1. Which Nigerian city is known as the “Centre of Excellence”?
2. What is the name of Nigeria’s currency symbol (₦) called?
3. Who is Nigeria’s first female Vice-Chancellor?
4. What type of energy is produced at Kainji Dam?
5. Which Nigerian state is famous for its oil palm?
6. What is the official language of Nigeria?
7. Which animal is often used in Nigerian folk tales as the trickster?
Answers
1. Lagos 2. Naira 3. Grace Alele-Williams 4. Hydro-electric power 5. Edo State 6. English 7. The tortoise
Did you know?
1. Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 40% under 15 years old.
2. The fingerprints of a koala are almost identical to those of humans.
3. Nigeria’s coat of arms has black horses representing dignity.
4. Penguins can jump as high as 6 feet out of the water.
5. Nigeria has 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory.
6. Slugs have four noses.
7. Olumo Rock in Abeokuta served as a fortress during inter-tribal wars.
Riddles
1. What comes down but never goes up?
2. The more you take away from me, the bigger I get. What am I?
3. What is full of holes but can still hold water?
4. What goes around the world but stays in one place?
5. What has many keys but cannot open a door?
6. What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?
7. What can travel all around the world without leaving its corner?
Answers
1. Rain 2. A hole 3. A sponge 4. A stamp 5. A piano 6. The future 7. A postage stamp
