There was a time, not too long ago—when childhood wasn’t filtered through a screen. A time when there was no internet, no Instagram, no cartoons on demand. Just the raw, rich beauty of community… and imagination.
We played outside till dusk, with feet full of sand and hearts full of adventure. No battery life to worry about. Our toys? Sticks, bottle tops, old tyres, and our own laughter. We molded sand into castles and cooked ‘jollof’ with leaves and pretend pepper. And oh, the joy of turning nothing into everything!
When night fell, the moon became our spotlight. That was when the real magic happened. We would sit in circles on raffia mats, eyes wide, hearts open, as our grandparents and aunties told stories that shaped us. Tales of tortoise and wisdom, of loyalty and mischief, of morals that stuck deeper than schoolbooks ever could.
No one was distracted. No one was scrolling. We listened, really listened, because that’s how we learned who we were.
Sometimes I wonder what today’s kids are missing. Their fingers are busy tapping screens, but their roots aren’t being watered with the stories that grounded us. They have access to the world, yes, but are they losing touch with their own?
Today is not just about throwing it back. It’s a reminder. Of simpler days. Of barefoot races. Of moonlit stories that still live in us, if only we pause long enough to remember.
So here’s to the past that raised us, and the future we pray will still carry a little of its soul.
Born as Titilayo Oladimeji, I have been known by the nickname Titipetral for nearly two decades. I am a Financial Advisor at a reputable financial institution in Lagos, Nigeria, with over 10 years of experience in Financial Advisory and Credit Analysis. I am also an author and the founder of Titipetral Publishers, a duly registered publishing company.
In addition, I lead the Titipetral Empowerment and Development Network (TEDN), a duly registered philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting underprivileged girls, boys, women, and men in the Alimosho area, Nigeria’s most populated local government, focusing on serving the underserved.
For inquiries or collaboration, you can reach me at Titilayooladimeji@titipetral.com or titipetral@gmail.com.