Nostalgic Reflections: The Meaningful Names I Bear

By Emeka Esogbue

As I reflect on my heritage, I am reminded of the beautiful names I have been given. Alongside Emeka, my first name, I am also known as Oguguamakwa (or Ogugua for short) and Olisemenke or Menke. These names evoke memories of my birth and the circumstances surrounding it.

In Enuani culture, as in many African societies, children are named based on the events surrounding their birth or their parents' experiences. This meaningful tradition contrasts with Western naming conventions, where names like Stone, Sand, Hill, Lake or Rock are common.

My parents' story is one of resilience. Having lost their only child, Chukwuka, to hunger and starvation during the Nigerian Civil War, my birth brought consolation. They swiftly named me Chukwuemeka, meaning "God has done well," as if to reaffirm their faith.

My maternal grandmother, Omebe Okolie nee Dike, affectionately called me Olisemenke, emphasizing God's hand in my birth. She continued to use this name until her passing in 2020.

Meanwhile, my paternal granduncle's wife, Mrs. Okafor from Umuezeagulu in Umuodafe, Ibusa, a strong believer in God, bestowed upon me the name Oguguamakwa meaning Consolation. She had prophesied that God would console my parents with a child for their loss, and my arrival confirmed her words.

These names – Chukwuemeka, Olisemenke, and Oguguamaka – hold deep significance, serving as reminders of God's presence and power in our lives. They are consolatory names that reassure me of God's capabilities in my life and everyone who believes in him.

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