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Five African Countries That Retained Their Colonial Names
Names hold significant meaning and are often a reflection of a country’s history and culture.
This is particularly true for African nations, many of which were once colonized by European powers, and whose names stem from that period. Some countries chose to change their names after gaining independence to reflect a stronger connection to their identity, while others opted to retain the colonial names. Here are five African countries that kept their colonial names:
- Nigeria
The name Nigeria was coined on January 8, 1897, by British journalist Flora Shaw, derived from the Niger River that flows through the country. Despite Nigeria’s full independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960, it retained this name. The neighboring Republic of Niger also shares its name from the same river. - Mali
Mali was initially called French Sudan under French colonial rule. After gaining internal autonomy in 1958, the Sudanese Republic became the Federation of Mali with Senegal. It gained full independence from France on March 31, 1960, and kept the name Mali. - Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s name originates from Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra’s mapping of Freetown harbor in the 15th century. He named it “Serra Lyoa” (meaning “Lion Mountains”). Sierra Leone gained independence from Britain on April 27, 1961, and retained the name. - Guinea
Guinea derives its name from the Portuguese term “Guiné,” used in the 15th century to refer to the land south of the Senegal River. Guinea became independent from France on October 2, 1958, retaining the name of the region. - Cameroon
Initially called “Rio dos Camarões” (River of Prawns) by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, the name evolved to Cameroon during colonial rule. After gaining independence from France in 1960 and the United Kingdom in 1961, Cameroon retained its colonial name.
These countries chose to keep their colonial names despite their journeys to independence, showcasing the complex relationship between colonial history and national identity.
At least one person lost his life, while six others sustained varying degrees of injuries in two separate road accidents that occurred on Tuesday.
The accidents took place along the Otedola Bridge area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and at Ijebu Imusin, near Imeri Junction, along the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.
An incident report by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), signed by its Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that the accident at Otedola Bridge occurred during the early hours of the day.
The collision involved four articulated trucks laden with containers. Preliminary investigations indicated that reckless driving caused the crash, leaving one person dead and three others injured.
“On arrival at the scene, the agency’s Response Team discovered that a multiple-truck accident had occurred. The force of the collision caused the trucks to get stuck to each other,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
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“Unfortunately, one adult male extricated from beneath one of the trucks succumbed to his injuries. Three adult males sustained varying degrees of injuries, with two victims receiving initial medical attention at the scene before being transported to the Accident and Emergency Centre.”
In a separate incident, the Commandant General of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Seni Ogunyemi, reported a lone accident involving a white Sienna vehicle with registration number RBC 751 XU.
The accident occurred at Ijebu Imusin, before Imeri Junction, along the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. Excessive speed, which led to a loss of control, was identified as the cause of the crash.
Of the six occupants, three females sustained injuries, while no fatalities were recorded.
TRACE operatives transported the injured victims to Ronal Hospital, Ijebu Ode, for medical treatment.
Authorities have urged motorists to prioritize safety and avoid reckless driving to prevent further tragedies on the nation’s highways.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team.
Chelle becomes the third coach to lead the team since José Peseiro’s resignation in March 2024.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, follows the endorsement of Chelle by the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee and its Executive Committee. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau confirmed that the Malian coach’s tenure would commence immediately.
Chelle will debut as head coach with the home-based Super Eagles at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to take place in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28. Gusau emphasized the importance of the CHAN tournament as a platform for discovering local talent for the senior national team.
“We want whoever takes charge to start immediately and utilize the CHAN Eagles as an opportunity to identify players who can contribute to the senior team,” Gusau said.
The Super Eagles B team, under the temporary management of coaches Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa, has been preparing for the tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Chelle, a former Mali international with five caps, brings a wealth of coaching experience, having led clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. As Mali’s national team coach since 2022, he narrowly missed a semi-final spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his team lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in extra time.
Beyond CHAN, Chelle faces the crucial task of reviving the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification campaign. Nigeria currently sits in fifth place in their qualifying group, with the next round of matches set for March.
This appointment marks a new chapter for the Super Eagles, with fans hopeful that Chelle’s leadership will bring success both at CHAN and on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A heart-wrenching motor accident along the Akwanga-Abuja road has claimed the lives of an entire family of four.
The victims, who were returning to Abuja after celebrating Christmas and New Year with loved ones in Makurdi, met their untimely deaths on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
The family members were identified as Victor Angbiandoo Tyohemba, a 37-year-old accountant, his wife, Erdoo Stephanie, and their two young daughters, Agnes and Immaculate.
Victor’s elder brother, Emmanuel Tyohemba, shared the devastating news during an interview, describing the loss as an unimaginable tragedy for their family.
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“With deep sadness, we announce the tragic passing of our beloved family members: Victor, his wife Stephanie, and their two daughters, Agnes and Immaculate. They all perished in a ghastly motor accident while traveling back to Abuja,” Emmanuel said.
The accident reportedly occurred near Akwanga on January 4, but the family only received confirmation of the tragedy the following day.
Recounting how he learned of the incident, Emmanuel said, “The family left Makurdi in a commercial vehicle on Saturday while I traveled to Zaria on Sunday. We didn’t hear from Victor throughout Saturday, and when we tried his and his wife’s numbers, neither connected.
“By the next day, I became worried and began reaching out to find out which park they used in Makurdi. Eventually, someone mentioned that a bus heading to Abuja on Saturday was involved in an accident. After much effort, I got in touch with the transport company’s manager, who confirmed the crash.”
Emmanuel revealed that he retrieved the bodies of his brother, sister-in-law, and nieces and brought them home to their family residence in Igbor, where they were laid to rest on January 6, 2025.
The family has called on sympathisers to keep them in their prayers as they mourn the tragic loss of their loved ones.
This devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety during travels.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that it is closely monitoring the global rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, particularly in China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
The announcement comes as countries report increasing hospital admissions linked to HMPV, especially among children and older adults.
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed in a public health advisory on Monday night that while Nigeria’s surveillance system has not recorded an unusual increase in respiratory infections, proactive measures are being implemented to strengthen the country’s preparedness.
Dr. Idris revealed that the NCDC, in collaboration with Port Health Authorities, is working to enhance readiness at all international points of entry. An Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV, approved by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, is being developed and will guide response activities at ports of entry.
He emphasized that quarantine facilities are being prepared to manage suspected or confirmed cases if necessary. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials, including face masks, gloves, and hygiene supplies, are also being deployed to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
The National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, which monitors Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), has been expanded to include testing for HMPV. Laboratories in states with international airports are being equipped to conduct HMPV testing, ensuring early detection and appropriate care for patients.
Addressing rumors, Dr. Idris clarified that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). He urged the public to disregard false claims and remain informed through verified sources.
Recent reports indicate a surge in HMPV cases in several countries, with the United Kingdom witnessing significant hospitalizations, particularly among children under five and elderly residents in care homes. This trend has prompted health authorities worldwide to enhance preparedness measures.
Dr. Idris stressed the importance of vigilance and collaboration with state governments to activate treatment centers and stockpile essential medical supplies. He added, “Supportive care and a high index of suspicion are crucial in managing potential cases effectively.”
The NCDC assured Nigerians of its commitment to safeguarding public health, urging citizens to adhere to hygiene practices and report any respiratory illness symptoms promptly.
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