In most African countries, names are treated with great significance and hence the need for a ceremony to announce the name of the child with an occasion. This ceremony is usually one marked with gifts, refreshments and some other activities depending on the tradition of that place.
One usual practice in some naming ceremonies in some parts of Nigeria is rubbing of white powder. In some places, immediately after the birth of the child is announced, women around the neighborhood get white powder or white native chalk and rub it on their necks and faces.
This is common practice in Igbo land where they use nzu (white native chalk) as well as in Mambilla in Plateau state, Nigeria and they do this while singing joyous songs.