Young Nigerians have decided that the syllables of their states of origin and areas are too long and that they need cooler names. Not only do these location codenames strip down the ruralness that comes with the original names, but they also make the speaker sound hip.
Although these codenames will likely leave you puzzled, we want you to catch up to the latest area codenames, so we compiled the ultimate guide.
ABK
Pronouncing Abeokuta is as long as climbing the famous mountain the town is named after. So, ABK >>>
AK City
This is Akure. Akure should remain Akure, but FOMO is holding it by the throat.
Cali
Instead of calling “Cali” an appropriation, consider it the Americanisation of Calabar.
Gidi
“Gidi” (meaning “Real”) came from Las Gidi (meaning “The real Lagos”). This isn’t new slang anyway, but in case you didn’t know, now you do.
IKD
Look at Ikorodu, a place in Lagos, saying, “I’m a classic man” with IKD. Call it trenches, but at least it’s a glorified one. IKD to the world.
Illy
“Illy” sounds like a place with colourful flowers, bumbling bees and vibrant butterflies, but it’s just a nickname for the hot-weathered Ilorin. Some even said it’s “Illy City”, but my question is, does Ilorin have the steeze for that?
Jiggy
This codename is funny. You won’t believe this is Jigawa pretending to be the A$AP Rocky of Nigerian states. LOL.
J-Town
One of the coldest places in Nigeria, Jos boasts the swag of a small rural town in the US. J-Town, as it’s fondly called, has homegrown stars like M.I. Abaga, Jesse Jagz, and Ice Prince to thank for its credibility.
KD
For over a decade, KD has been the codename for Kaduna among its young people. Cool name.
Lesh
Aside from removing the first and last letters in “Ilesha”, this nickname is nothing more than the need to feel among and sophisticated.
Mosho
In case you’re wondering who or where Mosho is, it’s the same thing as Ogbomoso, the town in Oyo State after Oyo Town. Or simply say where Lautech is.
OD Town
As much as this nickname calls for a drug test, we have no choice but to call Ondo what its people call it.
Shaggy
“Shaggy” as a slang term for Shagamu isn’t a nod to the Jamaican artist Shaggy; it’s Gen Z slang for the Ogun-state town famous for cement production and kola nut collection.
The Buj
If you’re an overthinker like me, “Buj” signals to boujee and bourgeoisie, and it does make sense. It’s a rich folks’ place.
Zam
Calling Zamfara state “Zam” gives it the “purrr” effect. You can call it “Big Zams” for special effects.
