In this exclusive publication, you’ll discover the names of God in different Nigerian languages — including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, Idoma, Ijaw, Edo, and hosts of other languages found in Nigeria.

Virtually all Nigerians are lovers of God.

Generally, everyone practices either Christianity, Islam, or The African Traditional religion.

Most Christian churches in Nigeria adopt the use of Jehovah, Yaweh, or even God.

A typical Nigerian Muslim on the other hand prefers the use of Allah, which is actually Arabic.

The names of God in our local dialects, nonetheless, remain an integral part of a typical Nigerian society.

Those names, however, may be strange to a lot of folks around Nigerians or people living in diaspora.

Reason is, Nigeria is a multi-ethnic society, estimated to have over 500 dialects. So, it’s virtually impossible to remember what God is called in everyone of them.

See these:

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Without further ado, let’s get started with the reason you’re here:

Names of God Igbo — Chineke, Chukwu

In general, the Igbo people of Nigeria refer to God as Chineke or Chukwu. Other local dialects within the Igbo language, however, use a wide range of names.

The word ‘Chukwu’ means the first force or the force which precedes every other force. Chineke, on the other hand, translates into ‘creator of the universe’.

Although Chukwu and Chineke are the two most preferred Igbo names for God, other terms you may likely find an Igbo man using are:

• Ebube Dike (strong and powerful)
  
• Odogwu Akataka (fearless warrior)
• Dike na’gha (mighty warrior)
  
• Ebube Mbekumbe (forever glorious)

The above listed are mostly used during praises; therefore, if anyone asks you what the name of God is in Igbo language of Nigeria, just go ahead and say Chineke or Chukwu.

Name of God in Hausa — Ubangiji

Generally, the name of God in Hausa is Ubangiji. You may, however, notice that the Hausa people find it a lot easier to say Allah. The reason to this is that the Hausa’s are predominantly Muslims. Therefore most of them prefer to use the Arabic name for God.

Ubangiji — in English — translates as Supreme being.

Other ways you may discover an Hausa person referring to God may include:

• Sarki n Salama (Prince of Peace)
• Ubangiji n Duniya (Master Of The Universe)
• Ruhun Hikima (Spirit Of Wisdom)
• Tushen Rai (Author of life)
• Uba Madu Kaki (Father of Glory)
  

Names of God in Yoruba — Oluwa, Olorun

In most cases, the Yoruba people of Nigeria refer to God as Olorun or Oluwa. But there are many more other names they’ve ascribed to the almighty.

In fact, there’s probably no language in Nigeria with more names for God than the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

Oluwa and Olorun both mean Lord in English.

Here are a few ther names of God in Yoruba and their meanings enclosed in brackets:

• Olodumare (The Almighty)
• Arugbo Ojo (Ancient of Days)
• Olugbala (Saviour)

Names of God in Edo — Osanobwa

The Edo people of Nigeria use the word “Osanobwa” when referring to God. The south south language which is believed to have stemmed from Yoruba appears to keep it simple and easy.

Meaning of Osanobwa in English: The mighty being who gives sustenance to the entire world.

Name of God in Efik/Ibibio — Abasi

The Ibibio/Efik language, located in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria use Abasi or Osa-Nudazi when referring to the almighty.

Here are their meanings:

• Abasi: Director of the Universe
• Osa Nudazi: The Impregnable

Names of God in Other Nigerian languages

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