Recently updated on August 30th, 2022 at 12:28 am
The PositiveNaija Interviews (What Is And Why Your Name?): Episode 1 – Naomi Iruoghene Iteire and Efe Okamonu is a series of interviews with the human race including Nigerians and Africans on recognising and understanding the meaning, purpose, importance/value, impact and story of their names.
This series, conceived and conducted by Toju Micheal Ogbe is dedicated to the lives of every human being with the hope that more understanding is provided on the subject of our names, which are the words everyone of us hears the most through our lifetime containing unique identity features.
Special thanks to people who have shared their stories and unique insights with us as well as with the world.
“A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches; And favor is better than silver and gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire shares her story, experiences, thoughts and insights on the meaning and value of her name with PositiveNaija on July 3, 2022
PositiveNaija: Please, what is your name in full?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: Naomi Iruoghene Iteire
PositiveNaija: What is your nationality and city you are from?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: Nigerian (Isoko)
PositiveNaija: What decade were you born?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: 1980s
PositiveNaija: Who named you your name(s)?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: My parents
PositiveNaija: What is the translation or meaning of your traditional name(s) in English?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: Iruoghene meaning “The Work of God”
PositiveNaija: Why were you named your name(s) – the reason or story?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: I was initially named Cynthia at birth but at age 6-8 thereabout, the meaning of Cynthia was known to my parents for the first time and it wasn’t “godly” enough (goddess of the sun). So they changed my name to Naomi (meaning Pleasant, Delight, Beautiful).
PositiveNaija: Did you give yourself a name – officially or unofficially? If yes, why and what does it mean?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: No.
PositiveNaija: Culturally and/or spiritually, do you see or perceive a significance or impact of your name based on the result of your life so far?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: Yes. I radiate God’s glory… Its seen in everything I do.
PositiveNaija: Do you think your name has an impact on the lives of people or anyone who calls your name and why?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: Yes I do. I can’t really explain why.
PositiveNaija: What do you want your name to be remembered for?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: Exploits.
PositiveNaija: Any other insights or experiences you might want to share on the subject/importance of names?
Naomi Iruoghene Iteire: Names are pathfinders to one’s destiny. Know the meaning of a name before you are addressed by it. It could change the course of your destiny.
Efe Okamonu shares his story, experiences, thoughts and insights on the meaning and value of his name with PositiveNaija on July 3, 2022
PositiveNaija: Please, what is your name in full?
Efe Okamonu: Efe Okamonu
PositiveNaija: What is your nationality and city you are from?
Efe Okamonu: Nigerian (Oghara)
PositiveNaija: What decade were you born?
Efe Okamonu: 1990s
PositiveNaija: Who named you your name(s)?
Efe Okamonu: My father named me.
PositiveNaija: What is the translation or meaning of your traditional name(s) in English?
Efe Okamonu: Efe means “Wealth”.
PositiveNaija: Why were you named your name(s) – the reason or story?
Efe Okamonu: I was named my name for the influence of my names meaning to follow me.
PositiveNaija: Did you give yourself a name – officially or unofficially? If yes, why and what does it mean?
Efe Okamonu: No, my father gave me all the names I bear.
PositiveNaija: Culturally and/or spiritually, do you see or perceive a significance or impact of your name based on the result of your life so far?
Efe Okamonu: The impact of my name culturally and spiritually: I haven’t seen the impact of my name based on my life’s result yet, as a young man going through the school of process.
PositiveNaija: Do you think your name has an impact on the lives of people or anyone who calls your name and why?
Efe Okamonu: Yes, and I think my name helps people who call it remember that we as humans can be rich in all areas of life.
PositiveNaija: What do you want your name to be remembered for?
Efe Okamonu: I want my name to be remembered for transformational impact on the lives of young men and women.
PositiveNaija: Any other insights or experiences you might want to share on the subject/importance of names?
Efe Okamonu: I believe names should be carefully chosen, I also strongly believe that a rightfully chosen name with understanding can bless the life of its bearer.
Research Credits
*Conceived, conducted, written/edited and poster designed by: Toju Micheal Ogbe.
*Inspired by: The PositiveNaija Interview Series (Advice of Nigerian Mothers) and Joshua Selman message (Redefining Inheritance)
*The title of this interview series (What Is And Why Your Name?) was suggested by Mr. Mbah Ekene Collins Arum on June 29, 2022.
*Last updated on July 5, 2022.
*The Interview Series is open for/to suggestions, donation, sponsorship, collaboration or partnership.
Get Featured
If you would like to be featured on this series irrespective of your nationality, kindly send in your photograph and your submission according to the interview format above to our WhatsApp number on +2349064503292. Thank you.
