By funmilayo Olagunju

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Legal Steps to take in furtherance of Change of Name:

1. AFFIDAVIT

Depose to an affidavit of Change of name in the Affidavit Registry of a Court.

2. NEWSPAPER ANNOUNCEMENT

Publish an announcement of the Change of Name in any National Newspaper of your Choice. This is a mere announcement to the public and a proof of intention to change the name, it is not the end to the journey.

3. PUBLICATION

Publish your name in the Nigerian Government Gazette.An application must be submitted to the section of Publication, Civil registry’s documentation department in order to achieve this. The publication is the legal change of name.

4. UPDATE

(a) Update the name to reflect on your National Identity Card with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)

(b)Update the name on your BVN and Bank Accounts

(c) Update the name in compliance with your Professional regulatory Body.

(d) Update the name with National Immigration Service to reflect on your passport

(e) Update the Name with INEC to reflect on your Voter’s Card.

(f)Update of social media handles is more of social requirement to create uniform social and legal identity.

“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter…”

Ecclesiastes 8:6