African names are the key to our heritage

Nollywood actor Bayo Bankole, popularly known as Boy Alinco for his role in Papa Ajasco, recently made a thought-provoking statement on the Teju Babyface Show that has sparked a conversation about the importance of preserving African names.

He urged Nigerian parents to stop opting for Western-inspired names like Jayden and Biden, encouraging them instead to embrace the richness of names like Oluwaseun, Oluwapamilerinayo, and Oluwasoromidayo.

Boy Alinco’s message resonated deeply with many, especially parents and those passionate about cultural identity. “Don’t give our children Jayden or Biden and all that stuff when we have beautiful names like Oluwaseun, Oluwapamilerinayo and Oluwasoromidayo,” he remarked on the show.

This call isn’t just about a preference for traditional names; it’s about preserving an important part of one’s heritage.

As Boy Alinco pointed out, there’s often a misconception that African names are too difficult to pronounce or fit into the Western educational system.

He challenged this thinking, stating, “Some will say they won’t be able to call those names in schools. But it’s a lie.

They call Dutch names and Russian names that sound awkward. Indians will not change their names for anything in the world.” His point is clear: if other cultures can embrace their names proudly, why shouldn’t Africans do the same?

The significance of names goes beyond just identification; they are a link to one’s roots, culture, and history. Boy Alinco continued, “That is why it is difficult for an African-American to be able to trace their root back to Africa.”