Freaky Coincidences

This list presents places in Nigeria bearing the same name. I got to know of these somewhat trivial facts while I was perusing my atlas sometime ago. Some of these places sharing the same name are totally unrelated and differences in culture, religion, language etc. are not uncommon. It should also be noted that pronunciations could differ.

Ikoyi (Oyo) and Ikoyi (Lagos)

No doubt, the more famous of the two Ikoyis is the one in Lagos state. Ikoyi (Lagos) is one of the poshest places in Nigeria. Ikoyi (Oyo) is not far from Ogbomosho, a Yoruba town with a large population. It goes without saying that both Ikoyis are Yoruba towns.

Azare (Nasarawa) and Azare (Bauchi)

Chances are that the Azare you know is the one in Bauchi. It is no doubt bigger, and one of the largest towns in Bauchi State. Azare (Nasarawa) is a much smaller town located close to the border with Plateau State.

It (Azare, Nasarawa) came to limelight last year due to terrorist activities alleged to have been carried out by certain persons in the town.

Wuse (Nassarawa) and Wuse (Abuja)

Wuse (a district in Abuja) is bigger of the two. Though the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja lies within it) and Nasarawa share a border, the two Wuses are miles apart.

Makurdi (Kebbi) and Makurdi (Benue)

Saying that Makudi, Benue State is more well known is like saying that an omelette cannot be made without breaking an egg. Makurdi (Benue) is the capital of Benue State is located on the banks of Benue River and it hosts an airforce base. Makurdi (Kebbi) is a smaller town located close to the border with Niger state.

Ilesha (Kwara) and Ilesha (Osun)

Ilesha (Osun) is likely the one you know except, of course, you are from Ilesha (Kwara). Ilesha (Osun) is the largest town of the Ijesha people (a Yoruba sub-ethnic group) and one of the largest towns in Osun State and gold is found there. Ilesha (Kwara) hosts one of the campuses of Kwara State University.

Zaria (Kebbi) and Zaria (Kaduna)

The Zaria (Kaduna) is, by a wide margin, the more famous of the two. It’s one of the biggest cities in Nigeria. It was formerly known as Zazzau and was one of the original seven Hausa states. It hosts some establishments like Nigerian College of Aviation, Ahmadu Bello University, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology. Zaria (Kebbi) is a smaller town located close to the Niger River.

Ikotun (Kwara) and Ikotun (Lagos)

A railway line passes through the Ikotun in Kwara. It has a water dam. The one in Lagos is more popular, has a bigger population.

Kaiama (Kwara) and Kaiama (Bayelsa)

Kaiama in Bayelsa is more famous because it was the place of Kaiama Declaration and the hometown of Isaac Boro, the Niger Delta nationalist who fought for secession from Nigeria. Kaiama is also home to the NYSC orientation camp in Bayalsa State. Kaiama (Kwara) is a big Local Government Area with headquaters in Kaiama town. It is a Yoruba community. Ijaws own the Kaiama in Bayelsa.

Okuku (Cross River) and Okuku (Osun)

The two are small towns and are miles apart. Okuku (Osun) is the hometown of the former Governor of Osun state Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Okuku (Cross River) hosts the College of Medical Sciences of the Cross River State University of Technology. Both Okukus are located in the northern part of their respective states.