The name game: Why first names, titles and respect are dividing opinions

A brief exchange between Nigerian billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu and a young woman has sparked debate on social media about respect, titles, culture and changing interaction patterns between generations. During UBA Group's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony, the young lady addressed Elumelu by his first name, causing surprise.

Initially, Elumelu responded that she should call him Mr Elumelu or TOE, but the young woman corrected herself and called him Mr Elumelu, resuming her question. This 20-second exchange went viral, dividing opinions over whether the young woman was disrespectful or following common corporate culture. For many Africans, particularly those raised in traditional homes, addressing someone older by their first name would be seen as disrespectful.

They were taught that respect is shown through the way we address people. However, in many modern workplaces, especially multinational companies, employees are encouraged to communicate more casually, allowing senior executives and younger employees to interact on a first-name basis. Elumelu's response reminded people that not everyone subscribes to this "Oyinbo life" or approach.

Calling someone by their first name can be disrespectful in one setting and perfectly acceptable in another, depending on the person, relationship, and cultural environment. Knowing the room, person, and occasion is crucial. Respecting others' preferences for how they are addressed is more important than winning an argument over a name.