Renowned media personality IK Osakioduwa has revealed that adopting the surname “Osakioduwa” was a pivotal moment in both his personal life and professional journey.

Speaking during a recent appearance on The Nancy Isime Show, IK opened up about the experience that led him to embrace a deeper sense of identity. He recalled how a seemingly ordinary visit to a military hospital in Ikeja with his father, a Nigerian Army officer, sparked the change.

According to IK, the turning point came during the registration process at the hospital. Hearing his name being called out triggered an emotional shift within him—an awakening that made him reconsider how he identified himself.

What started as a routine administrative task became a defining moment of self-discovery, prompting him to drop his previous surname and fully embrace “Osakioduwa.”

The celebrated host shared that this decision not only brought him closer to his roots but also marked the beginning of a new and meaningful phase in his career.

“My dad was in the army. There was something I needed to get treated for medically, and we went to a military hospital. When you go there, because it’s a military hospital, you have to state who you are, whose child or ward you are,” he explained.

“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 realize I needed to wake up and start building my own identity.”

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

“I started researching my own name. Then I discovered my surname is embedded in some deity somewhere. I’m like, what does that mean? No, I’m a Christian. So I was like, okay, I want a different name,” he said.

He elaborated that the subsequent events constituted a four-year struggle to persuade his father to endorse the change. With his mother’s silent support, and following numerous prayers, he stated that he ultimately embraced the name Osakioduwa, which he feels corresponds with his faith and destiny.

“I know ‘Osa’ is God. ‘Ioduwa’ means God opens the door to wealth. Like… now that’s a name,” he said, smiling.

Since the switch, IK says his life took a remarkable turn, both spiritually and professionally.

“That name literally changed my life. My door to wealth opened,” he added.