The word nigger simply means (black) slaves. That word was the origin of “Nigger Area”, which was used to describe our present-day geographical space that was thereafter coined to be “Nigeria” (Niger Area) by a British lord’s “mistress”.

“Nigger Area” was meant to be understood as an area with the largest concentration of black slaves. A place were black slave trade thrives the most.

This, in part, informed my suggestion in my earlier mass media publications that we need to find a better name for our country in order to forgive and free ourselves physically and mentally from both moral and spiritual encumbrances with the associated bad omens as a country. But, it’s been like I have been talking to myself in this regard ever since! It’s like nobody is listening.

Let’s find a new name for Nigeria that is indigenous to us and acceptable to most if not all the nationalities that make up the present-day Nigeria.

We could, for example, coin a name from a combination of our nationalities’ ethics and values among other possibilities.

My ancestors, and I suppose the same for many other nationalities, were not “niggers”.

We had flourishing empires, kingdoms, chiefdoms and even independent (autonomous) republican communities long, long before their “Mongo Park” “discovered” our own “River Niger”.

Let there be a rebirth for our country in name, attitude and governance among others.

Then, we would have started to heal the wounds inflicted on us by those who yoked us all together, and the contradictions within.

Then, we would have laid a new foundation for a genuine patriotism and nationhood.

Then, we can live in peace and prosperity forever.

So, help us O God Almighty.

•Prof. Echefuna' R G Onyebeadi writes from FCT Abuja.

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