The DG of The National Orientation Agency, Garba Abari, has a problem with Nigeria being called Naija. He says it’s “not in the best interest of the country.” The DG reckons that the effect is that the young people will not remember that our country’s name is Nigeria.

Henry Okelue begs to differ. Do see below:

On February 22nd, @PulseNigeria247 published a News Agency of Nigeria report ascribed to the DG of @NOA_Nigeria pic.twitter.com/E5PgIIEfAP

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

The DG of @NOA_Nigeria, Garba Abari, described calling Nigeria by the name "Naija" as "worrisome" and a "misnomer".

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

I found his position and comments a bit troubling. Why is a govt agency dedicating resources to trying to discourage the use of "Naija".

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

I personally like the name "Naija", which I and many Nigerians think actually makes Nigeria much closer to our hearts

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

So I decided to do a survey, to find out what people actually think. Below is the result. pic.twitter.com/HOOQezW6oX

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

From the poll, a majority of Nigerians, over 80% of the respondents, seem to have no issues with the name "naija".

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

For me, just how America is lovingly(or not) known as Yankee, allow Nigerians to lovingly (or not) refer to Nigeria as Naija. Its cool ?

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

The term/name "Naija" is not something government should lose sweat or sleep on..that ship has actually left habour,and we love the cruise?

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) March 7, 2017

Totally.