Monday, July 7, 2025 - Media personality IK Osakioduwa has shared the personal story behind why he changed his surname — a decision he says marked a major turning point in his life and career.
According to The Guardian, speaking with actress Nancy Isime
on her show, IK recalled visiting a military hospital in Ikeja with his father,
a serving Nigerian Army officer, when a routine name registration sparked a
moment of reflection.
“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.”
At the time, his surname was Obiara, but IK said he began
questioning everything, especially after reading about the biblical story of
Jacob’s name change.
“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.”
What followed was a four-year effort to convince his father
to approve the change. With silent support from his mother and much prayer, he
eventually chose “Osakioduwa.”
“I know
‘Osa’ is God. ‘Ioduwa’ means God opens the door to wealth. Like… now that’s a
name.”
Looking back, IK says the decision was life-changing.
“That name
literally changed my life. My door to wealth opened.”
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