Words in Naija like shuo and kuma have been in popular usage for a long time in Nigeria. They are part of the numerous traditional or indigenous words that are uniquely repositioning Naija as both awa Langwej and awa identity. In comparison with words that have transformed from the English Language into Naija, they are undoubtedly giving Naija a peculiar flavour that appeals to all that come in contact with it. Apart from meeting the basic requirement of effective communication, Naija readily provides genuine conviviality for its speakers. It elicits palpable warmth that compels foreigners to always appreciate the lively disposition that has remained a selling point for Nigerians. On the contrary, if you have had the opportunity of watching our own Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon (Alias Igodomigodo) speak in the hallowed chambers of the House of Representatives (fo telivishon), you will appreciate the “strain” he undergoes in his self-imposed task of jamin grama wit grama. As a trademark of his, whenever he stands up to speak, people always look forward to high falutin words from his vast repertoire of grammatology. However, in reality, onli im no wetin im de go tru bikos grama no bi awa langwej.

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From numerous advertisements that are rendered in Naija Langwej in both the print and electronic media, I have no illusions in my mind that millions of Nigerians are not only reappraising their negative mindsets about the Language, but embracing it with dobul han. After formal meetings where pipul blo big big oyibo in Nigeria, majority find it convenient to use Naija Langwej to informally brek daun eviritin. Top functionaries in different fields of human endeavour speak Naija without reservations whenever they chose to because they have come to realise se na awa identity. Therefore, if asked to say something about the state of Naija Langwej today, I will simply say it’s cutting across old sentiments/barriers as well as winning high profile personalities as speakers than one would ever have imagined.

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As a place where goods are bought and sold, popular markets are usually associated with all kinds of noise especially those found within and around motor-parks across the country. The growing use of loud speakers by motor park touts (agberos) in drawing the attention of passengers and in announcing different destinations can be very offensive to the ears and a major noise pollution. In continuation of this two part serial on the subject matter, we shall be looking at other meanings of maket.

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In Nigeria, we have countless number of markets categorized in terms of place or items e.g. Wuse Market or Jabi Fish Market all in Abuja. While the former is a fully fledged market where one could find all sorts of items, the later is where different types of fish are sold and bought. We have approved and unapproved markets complimented by the traditional weekly/bi-weekly markets associated with different communities, the popular roadside day/night markets and all kinds of “emajensi” markets. The latter group could be found around construction sites or areas where major roads may either be in a state of disrepair or in the city centers where traffic jams build up from time to time etc.

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The challenge of transforming the country into an investor’s delight was faced headlong by our former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who personally travelled around the world selling the country to prospective investors. Today, our dear Minister of Information and Communication; Prof. Dora Akunyili has introduced Rebranding as a major plank of properly repositioning Nigeria and her potentially great people in the comity of nations. Thus, the new brand name for Nigeria is Great people, Great nation.

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