How a PUNCH Journalist Created Síkírá-bù to Teach Yoruba Through a Crossword Game

In 2021, Shefiu Olabode launched Síkírá-bù, a Yoruba crossword board game, to encourage players to think and play in their native language. Trademarked and copyrighted, the game challenges users to form four-letter words vertically and horizontally on the board. A linguistics graduate with distinction, Olabode drew on his love for Scrabble and his academic background to design a uniquely Yoruba experience. Proper nouns and everyday words are allowed, making the game both educational and culturally rich. The Lagos State Government sponsored an initial rollout of 2,052 copies to public primary schools, and Síkírá-bù has since gained approval from the Ministry of Education for use in both public and private institutions. Talks are underway to expand to other Yoruba-speaking states and develop a digital version of the game. Olabode sees the innovation as a tool for preserving Yoruba language and culture. He encourages young Nigerians to innovate by embracing challenges and seeking support to bring their ideas to life.

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