Two clerics, Monsignor Gabriel Osu and Imam Shuaib Abdullahi, have jointly advised the Federal Government never to change the name, Nigeria, which had been in use for some 100 years ago.

The clerics who spoke in Lagos on Wednesday, noted that a name change was not what Nigerians needed now, but how their challenges would be addressed.

Prof. Tekena Tamuno, Chairman, Centenary Committee, had recommended that the name Nigeria be changed to ‘Commonwealth of Nigeria.'

According to Tamuno, the change must take effect from the 1 Jan. 2014, when the country will be marking the 100th anniversary, following the amalgamation of its northern and southern protectorates by the British in 1914.

Tamuna, an Emeritus Professor, made his call  at an annual lecture of the Nigeria Academy of Letters, organised to mark the nation’s centenary anniversary.

Osu, who is also the Director of Communication, Catholic Diocese of Lagos, said that the government should address the challenges in the country rather than attempting to spend money on a name change.

“Why should Nigeria’s name be changed? Is the change our problem? Our problem is hunger, poverty, no water, no electricity, high rate of unemployment and so on.

“Our name is very good, the problem is human beings that are Nigerians; they should not spend billions again in changing names, while the masses are living in abject poverty and dying of hunger, “ he said.

Osu said that the billions of naira the government would spend in changing the country’s name could be used to better the lives of Nigerians.

He advised the Federal Government not to consider such recommendation, saying, “it was needless“.

On his part, Abdullahi, Executive Director, Zakat and Fadaqat Foundation, said that it would be irrelevant changing the name Nigeria as there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Abdullahi said that it was the managers and leaders of the country Nigeria that needed a positive change and transformation.

“There is nothing wrong with the name Nigeria, but there is something wrong with the leaders of Nigeria.

“The name Nigeria is our name, our brand and has become part and parcel of our lives. All we need is to improve on our dented image in terms of positive change in the style of leadership and total re-branding, “ he said.

He, however, advised government to find solutions to numerous problems confronting Nigerians rather than thinking of a name change. (NAN)

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/03/dont-change-nigerias-name-clerics-advise-fg/

For some strange reason, i agree with the imam

Is it too hard for some people to stop wasting teir time tryin to advise a president who doesn't av a brain to think?
Are u tellin us dt they dnt undstnd our problem? They definately chose to turn to us, a deaf ear!!!

Name change is not wot we want. We want a confederation or total regional independence 4rm d prison called NIGERIA

'Brilliant' ideas such as the above are hallmarks of daft leadership thought patterns
Ebele lost the plot long ago
Nigeria has been in free fall ever since
Commonwealth of Nigeria indeed!

What fvcking change when the slave name remains?The common wealth niggeria'

If they really want a conscious rebirth,they should call it something like amadioha.Something that is deep rooted to land.

redsun: What fvcking change when the slave name remains?The common wealth niggeria'

If they really want a conscious rebirth,they should call it something like amadioha.Something that is deep rooted to land.

Thank you. That's why all these local men taking titles from countries that are serious, calling themselves Mallam and pastor should go siddon.

Nigga.Area is still in their garri breath, and instead of changing the name to their ancestral heritage, they prefer Lugard's wife's name so that the world can still see us as inferior and childish.

mens dept:

Thank you. That's why all these local men taking titles from countries that are serious, calling themselves Mallam and pastor should go siddon.

Nigga.Area is still in their garri breath, and instead of changing the name to their ancestral heritage, they prefer Lugard's wife's name so that the world can still see us as inferior and childish.

They dont know what it is all about,that is why they steal from from themselves.They are like humans that have been taken over by some other creatures that runs them like robots.