Whats in a name?

A name is an identity indicator, a name is a pointer to several things, it can provide certain information about the bearer. when asked, most individuals declare that they were named after a specific person, interest, occurrence or period.
The name Nigeria, as named by flora Shaw was inspired by the river Niger running through the country. The name was coined from “Niger” and “area”. According to research , the origin of the name Niger is uncertain and this originally applied only to the middle reaches of the Niger river. One would have thought that since Nigeria was named by a british citizen and after a lone river, by independence her name would have been re-coined considering the country’s expanse of land. Also considering the myth about a name being the reason for actions of the bearer, which has been proven by certain myth followers.

Although the holy book supports the fact that a name truly has a lot to do in the life of the bearer but a myth as it is classified, is said to be an imaginary story or event , taken to be true, what then can be said about the activities and happenings in Nigeria with respect to the name? do we now agree that Nigeria is finding it hard to successfully expand or increase in unity because its named was coined from a river?

Nigeria popularly referred to as the giant of Africa has overtime found it hard to sustain lasting unity, security and wealth amongst its people. From the inter tribal wars to the religious wars, corrupt practices, price hikes and now terrorist attacks. Nigeria keeps wallowing in the river of pain, struggle, lack, fear, limitations and poverty despite all odds.
on the other hand, a river indicates peace, except in turbulent waves a river is often regarded as peaceful. A river expands and enters into other rivers and into the sea. A river brings fresh air, soothing breeze and refreshment when pure. So whether the name

Nigeria has had a negative effect on its bearers or not there is still hope for liberty and peace. As a people,name or no name, we need to re-define Nigeria, show the true meaning of Nigeria, not the Nigeria on a map, or the Nigeria in the news, but a Nigeria in our hearts, a dream that can come to fruition, a beautiful place, where intelligent people work hand in hand to make life a better place for all. We need to spark up the lost hope, hope for this country again. Once the storm is calmed the peace and refreshing times will be restored.