Call me TOE or Mr Elumelu: Viral video sparks debate over workplace first-name culture

A video from UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu's graduation ceremony has sparked debate over first-name culture in Nigerian workplaces. The young executive trainee addressed Elumelu as "Tony" during an interactive session, leading to a public correction from Elumelu. The incident has divided opinion among corporate workers and Nigerians, with some arguing that first-name policies should apply across all levels of an organization, while others believe employees should defer to senior executives based on age, rank, and setting.

Elumelu's objection to being addressed by his first name surprised some, considering his long-standing association with the name. However, others pointed out that the age difference between Elumelu and the trainee created a power imbalance, making a public correction more understandable. The incident has also raised questions about the consistency of first-name usage in Nigerian workplaces, with some arguing that junior workers can address older support staff by their first names while senior executives are treated differently.