Media personality IK Osakioduwa has opened up about why he changed his surname from Obiara to Osakioduwa and how it has impacted his life.

Inspired by the biblical story of Jacob, IK, in an interview on Nancy Isime’s show, said he began questioning his identity and researching his name, discovering a connection between his surname and a deity.

After a four-year effort, IK said he convinced his father to approve the name change, with support from his mother.

IK chose “Osakioduwa,” meaning “God opens the door to wealth.”

He credited this name change as life-changing, believing it has opened doors to wealth and opportunities.

He said, “I thought to myself, I’m almost a full-on adult. And I’m still saying I’m so-and-so’s son? That moment made me realise I needed to wake up and start building my own identity.

“Back then, IK’s surname was Obiara, but he encountered him to question everything and was inspired by the biblical story of Jacob, whose name changed after wrestling with God.

“I started researching my own name. Then, 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.’

“What followed was a four-year effort to convince his father to approve the change. With silent support from his mother and much prayer, he eventually chose ‘Osakioduwa’.

“Osakioduwa means God opens the door to wealth. Now, that’s a name. That name changed my life. My door to wealth opened”.