Residents of Karaye village in Kano State are in celebration mode after their community previously called the “area of idiots” was renamed to “area of plenty”.
According to BBC Africa, the local emir, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar, announced the Hausa-language name change after residents complained that they had been mocked for years and were ashamed to tell people where they came from, the BBC reported.
“It was shameful telling people outside I come from Unguwar Wawaye but now I can proudly say I come from Yalwar Kadana,” villager Bala Sani told the BBC.
“We thank the emir for this gesture.”
The village’s unusual former name dated back to about 70 years when people settled close to a river known as Idiotic River.
It is not clear why the river has that name.
