Speaking on The Nancy Isime Show, IK offered candid insights into the spiritual, cultural, and personal motivations that guided the change—a process that took years of research, family negotiation, and self-reflection.
Inspired by the Story of Jacob
In the interview, IK explained that his inspiration came from the biblical story of Jacob, who received a new name after wrestling with God—a turning point that signified a new identity and destiny.
“I thought to myself, I’m almost a full-on adult. And I’m still saying I’m so-and-so’s son?” he recalled. “That moment made me realise I needed to wake up and start building my own identity.”
The story of Jacob’s transformation resonated with him, sparking a desire to understand the deeper meaning of his own surname and its implications.
Researching His Name’s Meaning
This questioning led IK to investigate the origins and meaning of “Obiara,” where he discovered a troubling association.
“I started researching my own name,” he said. “I discovered that my surname is somehow associated with a deity. I’m like, what does that mean? No, I’m a Christian. So I thought, ‘Okay, I want a different name.’”
He wanted a name that better aligned with his faith and personal values—a name that carried a positive, uplifting message.
Convincing His Family
The path to making the change official wasn’t easy. IK described a four-year process of trying to win over his father’s approval, while his mother offered quiet support behind the scenes.
“What followed was a four-year effort to convince my father,” he explained. “With silent support from my mother and much prayer, he eventually agreed.”
Choosing a New Name: “God Opens the Door to Wealth”
After settling on the name Osakioduwa, IK embraced the meaning it held for him: “God opens the door to wealth.”
He believes the new name didn’t just signal a fresh start—it also brought real, tangible change.
“That name changed my life,” he said. “My door to wealth opened.”
IK credited the act of taking ownership of his identity as a pivotal moment that influenced both his personal growth and his professional success.
Building a Personal Legacy
For IK, the name change wasn’t simply cosmetic or symbolic. It represented a deliberate break from passively inheriting an identity to actively defining his own path.
By sharing his story publicly, he hopes to encourage others to think deeply about the meanings and histories behind their own names, and to make choices that truly reflect who they want to be.