Before Netflix, before DStv, before TikTok trends and the endless YouTube scrolls, Nigerians knew where to get their fun. It was the era of TV shows, when the whole family gathered around that big box television in the living room, praying NEPA would be kind at least until the end of the show.

Nigerian families, and even neighbours, bonded over these television shows, and just as someone shouted, “It has started!” that familiar theme song would fill the air. From everyone’s favourite Papa Ajasco’s bald head to Fuji House of Commotion’s chaos, and Super Story’s weekly heartbreaks, these shows were part of what made growing up in Nigeria fun.

Papa Ajasco and Company

If you have ever heard the iconic “Ogbolor, Ope oh!” opening jingle, you probably just smiled. Papa Ajasco was a mirror of everyday Nigerian life. With characters like the bald, skirt-chasing Papa Ajasco, the naive Mama Ajasco, mischievous Boy Alinco, and the vain Miss Pepeye, the series turned ordinary family drama into unforgettable laughter. Created by Wale Adenuga Productions, it taught lessons about greed, honesty, and love, all wrapped in humour that even children could understand.

Fuji House of Commotion

Then came Fuji House of Commotion, a household favourite that perfectly captured the organised chaos of a polygamous Nigerian home. Headed by the dramatic Chief Fuji, his multiple wives, and a house full of squabbling children, the show was comedy gold. Every episode was a storm of jealousy, competition, and endless “house meeting” drama, but always ended with laughter. Amaka Igwe’s storytelling genius gave us something that was both hilarious and very relatable.

Super Story

“This is Super Story, a life with strife and sorrow…” If that tune still rings in your head, you belong to a special generation. Super Story was not just TV; it was an emotional rollercoaster. Each season told a different story, often inspired by real-life events, from family betrayals to social issues. Some episodes made us cry (Oh Father, Oh Daughter), others left us reflecting for days. Wale Adenuga Productions once again reminded Nigerians that entertainment could also teach, heal, and spark conversations.

Binta and Friends

Before social media influencers and YouTube skits, Binta and Friends ruled teenage television. It followed the life of Binta, a lively, intelligent girl navigating school, friendship, and moral lessons along the way. The show carried that innocent ‘90s energy, colourful uniforms, catchy theme songs, and relatable stories about peer pressure, honesty, and growing up. It made school life look exciting, even when exams were around the corner.

Dear Mother

For many, Dear Mother was Sunday evening therapy. It told the touching stories of Nigerian families through the eyes of mothers, strong, emotional, sometimes overwhelmed, but always the glue that held everything together. The show tackled parenting, marriage, and the ups and downs of raising children in modern Nigeria. Every episode left viewers with a message, often one that hit close to home.

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The power of these shows, even today

These shows may not have had today’s flashy production or social media buzz, but they had something priceless, they made us feel connected, gave families shared laughter, and reflected our everyday lives with honesty and humour. Even today, lines from Papa Ajasco or Super Story can spark conversations among millennial who grew up in front of box-shaped TVs.

It showed that early Nigerian creativity that was never in short supply, even with limited technology. What they lacked in special effects, they made up for in storytelling, acting, and a deep understanding of what made Nigerians.

If anyone mentions Fuji House of Commotion or hums the Super Story theme song, do not forget that those were the golden years of television, when the stories were simple, and Nigerian families found joy bonding in front of their television screens.

Anita Chinedu