A federal government delegate at the ongoing National Conference, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN has called for change of the present name of Nigeria to a proposed one called “Airegin”.
According to him, the name Nigeria was twisted by the colonialists and it was a colonial imposed name which should be changed to reflect originality.
Ozekhome while contributing at plenary on Wednesday also called for a reversal from the present National Anthem to the former and older one which was written by Taiwo Akinwumi, adding that the old flag that was designed with the rising sun on it should be re-introduced against the backdrop that it was peculiar with all parts of the country.
He noted that when the country replaces all these, it would then help Nigeria wash off the colonial legacy. “I want to move that this conference should consider changing the name of the country to reflect our originality. The name Nigeria was a colonial imposition which must be corrected. The name was given to the country by Lady Flora Shaw who later became Lady Lugard,” he said.
He pointed out that prior to the change of name, Nigeria as a country was known as the Northern and Southern Protectorates meaning Niger Area or areas within the River Niger by Lady Flora Shaw, adding, “The country was known formally as the Southern and Northern Protectorates before the name change. It was changed because they said it was too long for them to pronounce.
“I suggested that the name should be changed from Nigeria to Airegin. It was just gotten when you write the name Nigeria from “Right to Left”.
