Benjamin Obilor

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How to Legally Change Your Name in Nigeria

1️⃣ Affidavit of Change of Name
Visit the High Court and swear an affidavit stating your old name, your new name, and the reason for the change.

2️⃣ Newspaper Publication
Publish your new name in a national newspaper as public notice.

3️⃣ Update Your Records
Take the affidavit and newspaper publication to update your details with banks, schools, passport office, employers, and other institutions.

⚖️ Remember: Your name is your identity. Always change it through the right legal process.

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Benjamin Obilor
C OBILOR

Child Custody: Who Gets the Child After Divorce?

Divorce is tough, but one of the biggest battles couples face is “Who will the child live with?”

⚖️ What the Law Says:

1. Best Interest of the Child is Supreme – Nigerian courts (under the Child’s Rights Act 2003 and case law) don’t focus on the wishes of the parents, but on what benefits the child’s health, education, and overall welfare.

2. Custody is NOT Automatic – Many think mothers always get custody. That’s not true. The court looks at:

a. Age and needs of the child (infants usually go with the mother, unless unfit).

b. Financial ability of each parent to provide.

C. Emotional stability and character of the parents.

d. The child’s own wishes (if old enough).

Joint Custody – In some cases, the court can grant both parents rights at different times (e.g., school term with one parent, holidays with the other).

Access Rights – Even if custody is given to one parent, the other parent still has rights to visit and bond with the child.

🚨 Common Misconceptions:

❌ Custody does not mean ownership.
❌ Fathers are not automatically denied custody.
❌ Mothers can lose custody if proven unfit.

✅ Takeaway: In Nigeria, the child’s best interest is the law’s priority — not the ego or emotions of the parents.

📌 Follow Legal Help Centre to learn more about your family and children’s rights.

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