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Oguguamakwa: A Name of Consolation

 Oguguamakwa: A Name of Consolation


Emeka Esogbue


My name is Oguguamakwa, a beautiful and meaningful name that few people know me by. Given to me by my great aunt, Nwunye Okafor, this name holds significant importance in my life. It reminds me of the story of my birth often narrated to me by my parents. My mother especially, would take time to conversationally compare the situations of loss and gain from experience. Oguguamakwa translates to "consolation," reflecting the circumstances surrounding my birth. 


My parents had previously lost a child, Chukwuka, during the Nigerian Civil War due to hunger caused by the blockade and were saddened. Perhaps, the situation at the time constrained them to believe the possibility of another child but I came. My arrival became a source of comfort and solace, a divine replacement in a time of great loss. As Africans would say, God brought me to them as a gift. No word could have adequately described joy. Emotions were high with the atmosphere surrounding my birth being regained hope.


While my grandmother had named me Chukwuemeka, meaning "God has done well," Nwunye Okafor's name for me, Oguguamakwa, captured the essence of my birth as a consolation. Although she was almost the only one who called me by this name until her passing, my mother would occasionally use it, especially when seeking favors from me. As Oguguamakwa, I would gladly oblige, delighted to be reminded of the significance and beauty of my name. Some names are sensually engaging, conveying memories of parental love, care and concern and this is what Ogugumakwa stands for me.


Naturally, every child will like to hear that he was a gift to his parents and that he was greatly valued and I am not situationally left out. It feels memorably amazing to know that I came to console my parents just when it was difficult for them. This is the Oguguamakwa.


Today, the name, Oguguamakwa inspires me with joy and appreciation of parental love and I beautifully recommend it to the parents out there.

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