By Abba -Eku Onyeka, Abuja
The Principal Partner Amobi Nzelu & Co has suggested that Nigeria be renamed, so as to forge new identity.
In a letter he wrote and addressed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu recently, Nzelu informed that a growing debate has emerged in Nigeria, with many calling for a change of name for the country. The argument, according to him is that the name Nigeria has become a liability, weighed down by numerous uncomplimentary attachments.
The senior lawyer therefore stated that proponents of the name change argue that when a name has been decimated and compromised, it’s time for a change, adding that they point out that in ordinary life, people can change their names if it’s not working in their favour. He said that similarly, countries have also changed their names to shed unwanted associations and forge new identities.
Still moving the name change, he stated this: “The list of countries that have undergone name changes is long. Upper Volta became Burkina Faso, Gold Coast became Ghana, and Tanganyika and Zambezi merged to form Tanzania. Dahomey changed its name to Benin, not Togo, and Ivory Coast became Cote D’ Voire.
“Even in the Bible, names were changed to signify new beginnings or transformations. Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, and Saul became Paul. This, proponents argue, underscores the significance of names and the need to change them when they become liabilities.
“As Nigerians ponder the possibility of a name change, many are left wondering who gave the country its current name. The origin of the name Nigeria is often attributed to Flora Shaw, the wife of Lord Frederick Lugard, who coined the term in 1897. However, the name has since become synonymous with corruption, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
“While the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the name Nigeria has become a burden that many Nigerians would love to shed. Whether or not a name change is the solution remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain – the conversation has begun, and it’s unlikely to go away anytime soon.”
The notion of changing Nigeria’s name, he went on, has been a topic of discussion, adding that it is interesting to note that names hold significant meaning and associations. According to him, as seen in biblical examples, names like Abram, Jacob, and Saul were changed to Abraham, Israel, and Paul, respectively, to signify new beginnings or transformations.
Making more points , he said: “In the context of Nigeria, the country’s name has been linked to its colonial past, and some argue that it’s time for a change. The name “Nigeria” was coined by Flora Shaw, the wife of Lord Frederick Lugard, in 1897. Considering the country’s complex history and cultural diversity, a name change could be seen as an opportunity to rebrand and redefine Nigeria’s identity.
“The author suggests two potential new names: “Democratic Republic of Southern and Northern Protectorates” and “United States of Southern and Northern Protectorates.” These names acknowledge the country’s historical divisions and its aspirations for democracy and unity.
“While changing a country’s name is a significant undertaking, it’s not unprecedented. Other countries, like Ghana and Tanzania, have undergone name changes as part of their independence and nation-building processes.
“Ultimately, the decision to change Nigeria’s name would require careful consideration and a national consensus. However, as the author notes, the only thing that is permanent is change.”