Two words = Nostalgic feelings...Yup!
For the present day adult in Nigeria, just saying the words "Sesame Street" brings a smile, a chuckle and lots of memories to life. A very popular tv series for children, back in our days..(now we are old...LOL!) We all practically learnt how to read, write, sing the alphabets and skip through our numbers while sitting in front of the television, watching Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo and the others.
Interestingly, a Nigerian adaptation of "Sesame Street has been in the works for a while now and will debut later this month.
The U.S. mission in Nigeria said in a Tuesday statement that the show will debut May 21 on the state-run Nigerian Television Authority. It will be called "Sesame Square" and will air every Saturday and Sunday.
According to a release from the public affairs section of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, this first season of ‘Sesame Square' will help "promote fundamental literacy, numeracy, health and good hygiene habits in settings that foster children's self-esteem, cultural pride, and respect for differences and diversity."
"Sesame Square" will feature some of the well-known muppets from the original Sesame Street blueprint as well as, "Kami", an inquisitive female Muppet living with HIV and "Zobi", a blue Muppet obsessed with yams, a staple food in Nigeria.
Sesame Square will also feature guest appearances from renowned female musician Onyeka Onwenu; recording artiste, GT The Guitarman; and television personality Adaure Achumba.
Commenting on the new tv series, the director of programmes at NTA, Umar Mohammed, said "We are excited to introduce children and families to their new friends on ‘Sesame Square' for the first time ever in Nigeria and on NTA. We know that children will enjoy learning and laughing alongside Kami and Zobi as they engage in lessons that will help them lead brighter and more positive lives." In addition, ‘Sesame Square' will also give out literacy kits, including alphabet flashcards, an alphabet storybook, a story tree mat, and a puppet kit.
‘Sesame Square' is funded by the US government, through USAID, and is co-produced by Ileke Media, a Nigerian production house, and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind "Sesame Street".
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