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Ayo Olopon is a traditional game played by the Yoruba ethnic group. It is widely referred to as the “Game of the Intellectual” which requires a lot of mathematical skill. Ayo is played in a carved wooden box, containing twelve holes (with six holes on each side), and 48 Ayo seeds (four seeds in each hole). The game, which is played with two people, with each person sitting on either of the longer sides of the board has four seeds placed in each of the carved wooden pockets. It is an intellectual game because players take turns by picking up all the seeds from one of the pockets and distributing one seed to each of the pockets in order. Moreover, it is a winner takes all competition since the first player to empty the other player’s six pockets wins the game. Meanwhile, this traditional game requires enormous attention and could take a lot of time to conclude a session, if the contestants are both experienced players. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE GAME Ayo Olopon is an historical game which highlights the rich culture of the Yoruba nation. It can also be described as inseparable part of the common cultural heritage of the south-western people of Nigeria. This may be deduced from the way the game is played (face-to-face), which reflects the values of the culture pertaining to interactions amongst people. This ancient game is highly mathematical and deeply guided by the principle of logic. Although, it originated from Yorubaland, however, the game is now globally accepted and has since been included as part of the worldwide traditional sports. Ayo olopon is not just a recreational game for the Yoruba people, but it is also of spiritual importance to the entire race. Here in Nigeria, the game is among those controlled by the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria, others include the likes of Abula, Dambe, Gidigbo, Egede etc. Likewise, draught is a game that boosts memory recall and helps in making sound judgements, since player’s actions on the board have consequences, each action, therefore, requires serious forethought. HAM’S INTERVENTION Meanwhile, Hon Abiola Makinde, the member representing Ondo East/West Constituency in the House of Representative is determined to rekindle this ageless game in the Ekimogun metropolis. In view of this, the HAM Continuity Team has packaged an Ayo Olopon and Draught Competition which is scheduled as follow: *GAME CENTRE&DATE(21st, September 2021)* BOLORUNDURO LAAGBA EPE TIME: 2:00pm-6:00pm *GAME CENTRE&DATE(24th, September 2021)* MAROKO OKE-LISA OGBODU TIME:2:00-6:00pm *GAME CENTRE&DATE(27th, September 2021)* AJAMIWA OKE-DASA OKE-GBOGI TIME:2:00pm-6:00pm *GAME CENTRE&DATE(30th, September 2021)* ODOSIDA RAINBOW SABO TIME:2:00pm-6:00pm *GAME CENTRE&DATE(30th, September 2021)* BETA LAB AWOLOPE IDI OSHE TIME: 2:00pm-6:00pm *GAME CENTRE&DATE(6th, October 2021)* KAJOLA OLD CATHEDRAL AYEYEMI TIME:2:00pm-6:00pm *GAME CENTRE& DATE(9th, October 2021)* IGBADO IGUNSHIN BAGBE TIME:2:00pm-6:00pm This competition, which has been designed to sustain our cultural and traditional heritage will see hundreds of experienced contestants showcasing their rich talents in this age-long game. Furthermore, in his bid to revitalise our culture, promote our tradition and sustain our heritage; Hon Abiola Peter Makinde, solidly supported by DROMI, will richly reward the winner, first runner-up and second runner up, at the end of the event. IMPORTANCE OF THE GAME Moreover, this intellectual game can be likened to the world that is simplified into a board. As you play the game, you are clearly trying to imitate several global events. Also, the game can be divided into technical and philosophical aspects. The technical aspect is you playing the game and win, that is ok. The philosophical aspect of the game is just like somebody who studied Mathematics in the university. There is a huge difference between Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Applied Mathematics is the one used in the manufacturing of cars. It is very much different from x+y= z. That is Mathematics while Applied Mathematics is the one you infer something from those principles. Ref Dennis Adesanoye Adekunle Fatai Contact: 0906 016 1342 0905 668 1376*PROMOTING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE; HAM IS SET TO REWARD OUR PASSION FOR AYO OLOPON IN ONDO KINGDOM*
