IK Osakioduwa Reveals the Life-Changing Story Behind His Name Change
Popular Nigerian media personality, IK Osakioduwa, has opened up about a deeply personal decision that reshaped his life and career changing his surname from Obiara to Osakioduwa. Speaking during an intimate conversation with actress and host Nancy Isime on her show, IK recounted how the transformative journey began with a visit to a military hospital in Ikeja.
At the time, he was accompanying his father, a serving officer in the Nigerian Army, for a medical procedure. As part of the routine hospital registration, IK was asked to identify himself by stating his name and who his father was.
“I thought to myself, ‘I’m almost a full-on adult. And I’m still saying I’m so-and-so’s son?’ That moment made me realise I needed to wake up and start building my own identity,” IK shared.
That seemingly ordinary encounter sparked a personal awakening. IK began reflecting on his identity, inspired by the biblical story of Jacob, whose name was changed after wrestling with God a symbolic transformation that mirrored IK’s internal journey.
Digging deeper into the origins of his former surname Obiara, IK discovered spiritual connotations that didn’t align with his Christian beliefs. This led him to explore a new name that would reflect his faith and purpose.
“I started researching my own name. Then I discovered my surname is embedded in some deity somewhere. I’m like, what does that mean? No, I’m a Christian. So I was like, okay, I want a different name,” he explained.
The process of officially changing his name wasn't easy. IK faced four years of resistance from his father, but with the quiet support of his mother and plenty of prayer, he eventually secured approval.
The name he chose Osakioduwa carries a powerful meaning rooted in his faith.
“I know ‘Osa’ is God. ‘Ioduwa’ means God opens the door to wealth. Like… now that’s a name,” he said with a smile.
Since embracing the new identity, IK says he has experienced significant spiritual and professional growth.
“That name literally changed my life. My door to wealth opened.”
Today, IK Osakioduwa is not only a recognized name in African media but also a testimony to the power of aligning one's identity with purpose, faith, and destiny.
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