Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he has dropped Matthew from his names even though it was given to him by his parents.
Speaking at an event which the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) organised in his honour, Obasanjo explained that he jettisoned the name because the Biblical character, Mathew, whom he was named after, was a tax collector.
“When I was born, my mother and father decided to name me Matthew. I grew up being called and addressed Matthew. What is the meaning of Matthew in the Bible? He was a tax collector,” he said.
“So, when I grew up, I dropped Matthew from my name. If anyone does not want to see my eyes red, no one should call me Matthew again. People ask, what is in a name? For me, there is so much in a name.”
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He urged the engineers to be diligent and to always strive for perfection as their profession gives no room for imperfection.
“A doctor’s mistake often leads to the death of one patient,” he said.
“A lawyer’s mistake leads to the client going to jail. But if an engineer makes a mistake that leads to the collapse of a bridge or house, many people would lose their lives.
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“That is why engineers must be very careful and must be efficient not to allow mistakes to be made.”
3 comments
Dear Sir, Am so sure your parent had a deeper understanding of the name. Mathew means ” gift of Jehovah ” it’s the same as “Mattathia”. Mattithiah was appointed to play various roles in the Bible such as : Presiding over the offering, ministering in songs before the ark etc. Even in the New Testament Mathew was appointed by the invading Roman Empire because he must have been a trust worthy man.
Oga Matthew aka Obj alias Aremu,
YES! Matthew was a Tax collector Before he met the CHRIST. After he encountered the Saviour he became a fundamental aspect of the redeemer’s ministry on Earth. Even after JESUS death the Gospel Bro. Matthew authored is Still with us …and you even used it in your Theological programme at NOUN. SO HOW WILL WE REMEMBER Okikola Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo?
Changing name at 80 to me is childish, yes at 80 one can be childish and at 20 one can proved to be matured. The reason for rejecting Matthew is not tenable. Mathew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, was used to write one of the 66 bible books and proved loyal to God and Christ till death. Mathew is a role model to all true servant of God.