By Ambassador Sulaimon Yasir Abiola
Presenter, CLARION CALL
Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV
What comes to your mind when you hear the name Nigeria?
For many, it is simply the country of their birth. For others, it is a land of immense opportunities, resilient people, and rich cultural diversity. But have you ever paused to ask a simple yet profound question: Who named Nigeria, and why does that history matter today?
This thought-provoking question formed the focus of this week’s edition of CLARION CALL, a flagship public affairs programme on Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV, presented by Ambassador Sulaimon Yasir Abiola.
Rather than offering listeners a conventional history lesson, the programme challenged Nigerians to reflect on a deeper issue—not merely who gave the country its name, but what the name “Nigeria” represents in the lives of its citizens today.
The programme began with a powerful illustration of a young boy who knew his name but could not explain its meaning or origin. The story served as a reminder that understanding the story behind a name helps people understand their identity, appreciate their heritage, and make informed decisions about the future.
Drawing from historical records, Ambassador Yasir Abiola explained that the name Nigeria was coined in 1897 by British journalist Flora Shaw, who later became the wife of Sir Frederick Lugard, the first Governor-General of the amalgamated Nigeria. He further explained that she derived the name by combining “Niger,” taken from the River Niger, the country’s most prominent river, with the word “Area,” resulting in the name “Nigeria.” The name later became official following the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914.
However, the programme emphasized that history should never be viewed as a collection of dates and events alone. Instead, it should serve as a compass that guides national consciousness, strengthens identity, and inspires responsible citizenship.
One of the major highlights of the discussion was the reminder that Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest assets. With hundreds of ethnic groups, languages, cultures, and traditions, the country’s strength lies not in uniformity but in its ability to build unity through justice, fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect.
The programme further challenged listeners to move beyond symbolic expressions of patriotism. According to Ambassador Yasir Abiola, true patriotism is reflected in everyday actions—obeying the law, rejecting corruption, protecting public property, respecting one another, paying taxes honestly, and placing national interest above personal gain.
Special attention was also given to young Nigerians, who were encouraged to become students of history rather than relying solely on information circulating on social media. They were urged to ask questions, think critically, and understand the nation’s past in order to contribute meaningfully to its future.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Yasir Abiola reminded listeners that while history gave the country its name, it is the choices of today’s citizens that will determine what that name represents for generations to come.
He concluded with a compelling challenge:
“The question is no longer simply, ‘Who named Nigeria?’ The greater question is, ‘What kind of Nigeria are we building for those who will bear that name after us?’ History gave us a name. Our choices will determine its meaning.”
The episode reaffirmed the mission of CLARION CALL—to awaken conscience, inspire positive change, and promote social responsibility through thoughtful public discourse.
As Nigeria continues its journey as a nation, one message from the programme stands out clearly: a nation’s greatness is not defined by the name it bears but by the values its people uphold and the legacy they choose to leave behind.
