In a recent interview from 19:15 on Symfoni TV on Wednesday, July 21, 2026, public affairs analyst and Director-General of the Heritage Centre, Dr. Katch Ononuju shared his perspective on the historical identity of Port Harcourt while discussing heritage and the history of communities in present-day Rivers State.
Speaking during the programme, Ononuju stated, “Port Harcourt was renamed in 1913; the real name of the place is ‘Egochie’.” He said the city was given its present name during the British colonial era, while arguing that the original indigenous name should also be remembered as part of the area’s history.
According to Ononuju, the renaming took place during British colonial administration when the city became an important centre for exporting coal from Enugu. He maintained that understanding the historical background of the city is important for appreciating its cultural and historical significance.
The public affairs analyst also spoke about the historical links among various communities in the old Eastern Region, emphasizing that history should be studied carefully to promote a better understanding of Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
He argued that acknowledging indigenous place names and historical narratives does not diminish the country’s unity but instead enriches public knowledge about the origins of different communities.
Ononuju further encouraged Nigerians to preserve historical records and cultural identities while promoting peaceful coexistence among the country’s many ethnic groups.
He concluded that discussions about history should be approached through research, dialogue, and education, adding that understanding the past can contribute to stronger national unity and mutual respect among Nigerians….See More