"If You Can Pronounce Schwarzenegger..."

Omokri and daughter

(By Reno Omokri) – My kids are born and bred in California and they each bear Itsekiri names. They know my language and they know their native dress. Your kids aren't 'POLISHED' because they can't speak your native tongue. No. In fact they are 'RUBBISHED' if all they know is English. I remember once somebody asked me why my kids don't have English names. I told him as I am telling you, that when the English start giving their kids Itsekiri names, then I will start giving my kids English names. Africans, emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. A Christian can still be a Christian with an African name. It is the faith that matters not the name!

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Some people reacted very angrily to my admonition that African parents should give their children African names and teach them their language no matter where they are born. Since it is said that examples are the best form of advice, let me give you examples of how African children with African names excel more than those with European names. In politics we have Barack Obama. In film we have Chiwetel Ejiofor. In Music we have Sade Adu and AKON. In sports we have Nnamdi Asomugha. In technology we have Chinedu Ocheruo. In international banking we have Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In literature we have Teju Cole and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. These guys are at the TOP of their chosen field right here in the West. If you can pronounce Schwarzenegger, don't worry, they can pronounce whatever name you have.