Background of the Study
Digital storytelling has emerged as a powerful medium for cultural preservation and education, particularly in regions with rich oral traditions. In Gombe, Gombe State, the promotion of Nigerian folktales through a dedicated digital storytelling platform offers a unique opportunity to revitalize cultural heritage. This platform is envisioned to combine narrative texts, audio recordings, animations, and interactive elements to recreate traditional folktales in a modern digital format (Adamu, 2023). By leveraging technology, the platform can bridge the generational gap and make traditional stories accessible to a global audience while preserving the cultural context and moral lessons embedded in these tales. Digital storytelling allows for the creative integration of multimedia elements that enhance the narrative experience, making it more engaging and memorable (Fatima, 2024). The platform will not only serve as an educational resource for schools and cultural institutions but also provide a space for community participation, where users can contribute their interpretations and variations of traditional stories. This interactive engagement fosters a sense of ownership and continuity of cultural identity. Furthermore, the platform’s design emphasizes ease of use and accessibility, ensuring that even individuals with limited technological skills can navigate and contribute to the digital archive. The initiative aligns with global trends in cultural preservation through digital means and aims to counteract the erosion of traditional narratives in the face of modernization (Kabir, 2025). Through this study, the platform’s design, functionality, and impact on cultural awareness will be critically evaluated, providing a model for similar initiatives in other regions of Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
Nigerian folktales, which serve as vital cultural repositories, are increasingly at risk of being forgotten due to rapid modernization and declining interest among younger generations. Traditional modes of storytelling are being supplanted by contemporary digital media, yet they often fail to capture the authentic essence of these narratives. In Gombe, there is a noticeable gap in platforms that preserve and promote indigenous folktales in a format that resonates with today’s digital audiences (Olayinka, 2023). Furthermore, the existing digital content often lacks cultural depth and interactivity, limiting its appeal and educational value. Without a dedicated digital storytelling platform, these traditional narratives risk distortion or complete loss over time. The challenge is further compounded by limited funding, technological constraints, and inadequate collaboration between cultural custodians and digital innovators. This study seeks to address these issues by designing a digital storytelling platform that not only preserves Nigerian folktales but also presents them in an engaging, interactive manner. The platform is intended to serve as a digital archive, enabling the community to access, share, and contribute to the repository of cultural narratives. It aims to enhance cultural awareness, promote literacy, and stimulate creative expression among users. By evaluating the design and implementation process, the study will identify critical factors for success, such as user engagement, cultural authenticity, and technological adaptability (Bello, 2024). Ultimately, this research aspires to create a sustainable model for digital storytelling that supports cultural preservation and enriches the educational landscape in Gombe.
Objectives of the Study:
To design and develop a digital storytelling platform for Nigerian folktales.
To evaluate the platform’s effectiveness in engaging users and preserving cultural narratives.
To identify challenges and propose strategies for sustainable platform implementation.
Research Questions:
How does the digital storytelling platform enhance the preservation and promotion of Nigerian folktales?
What impact does the platform have on cultural awareness and literacy among users?
What challenges are encountered in the design and implementation of the platform?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it offers a digital solution for cultural preservation by promoting Nigerian folktales through an interactive storytelling platform. The findings will provide insights into best practices for merging tradition with technology, aiding educators, cultural custodians, and policymakers in preserving indigenous narratives. The research contributes to the broader goal of sustaining Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage in a rapidly modernizing world (Salihu, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to the design, development, and evaluation of a digital storytelling platform for promoting Nigerian folktales in Gombe, Gombe State. It does not extend to other cultural artifacts or regions.
Definitions of Terms:
Digital Storytelling: The practice of using digital tools to present narratives in a multimedia format.
Folktales: Traditional stories passed down orally, reflecting cultural values and history.
Cultural Preservation: The process of maintaining and safeguarding cultural heritage and traditions.
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