Ejanla: New Board Game Challenges Players to Be Creative To Win A “Big Fish”

A new board game, Ejanla, created by Uche Onuigbo and launched by his company, Gums Creative Services, challenges players to the task of reaching a milestone, where a “big fish” is the prize after evading some difficulties.

The prize may be a fish but this certainly isn’t your typical fish-catching game, “Ejanla” plunges players into the precarious world of acquiring prized fish from bustling restaurants while navigating a labyrinth of urban challenges. Developed by Uche Onuigbo, “Ejanla” has been lauded for its clever blend of strategy, chance, and a distinctly Nigerian flavor.

The premise is simple: players aim to eat and take home as much delicious fishes as possible from various eateries. The execution, however, is anything but the game board, a vibrant map of a fictionalized Lagos is dotted with restaurants, police checkpoints, and weather-sensitive zones. Each player starts with a modest sum of money and a hunger for grilled tilapia or a rich catfish pepper soup. The challenge lies in earning enough money through various mini-game mechanics and tactical decisions, all while avoiding obstacles that can derail your mission. “It’s a race against the elements and the authorities,” explains game creator Uche Onuigbo, lead designer of “Ejanla.”
Players also get to draw ‘Inspiration Cards’ motivate them to keep going on or act as psychological reminders. Then the tricky part is when there comes the sudden downpour, slowing movement and damaging fish, or a police raid that forces them to pay a fine or lose their precious catch.

Built for entertainment with a mix of marketing drive, Ejanla’s sublime elements of twists are designed to heighten the desires of players to engage, spend time with family and friends while being entertained. The game is quickly becoming a sensation across Lagos, Nigeria, offering players a thrilling, tactical experience that mirrors the unpredictable daily hustle of the burstling commercial city.

The goal is to build up your funds, buy your fish, and get it home safely before time runs out or you’re caught in a jam.”Players strategically manage their finances, deciding when to risk a shortcut through a less-patrolled area or when to invest in “Good Luck Charms” that might mitigate the impact of a bad event. “Police Patrol” tokens move unpredictably around the board, adding an element of suspense, while “Bad Weather” cards can leave players stranded, watching their freshly acquired fish spoil.

The game also showcases quotes from prominent Nigerians who are successful role models in different sectors of their businesses that need to be mentioned and celebrated.

The game has two versions. The commercial/generic version and the customized version are proposed for the famous eatery called Ejanla. The name of the game, Ejanla, is derived from a Yoruba word which means “Big Fish”.

Ejanla’s creator, Uche Onuigbo is a brand specialist, professional graphic artist and game board designer who prides himself as one of the best in Africa and has over time conceptualized circumstances and ideas for game that are relevant to end users in terms of entertainment/functionality and for brands it supports their marketing thereby increasing their sales.

Uche targets high-profile companies with an interest in CSR and companies that have children’s products to partner in the production and marketing of the game.