After a young executive trainee’s “Good morning, Tony” greeting to United Bank for Africa Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, sparked a debate online, corporate workers and Nigerians have continued to revisit the place of first-name culture in Nigerian workplaces.

The debate followed a viral video from Thursday’s graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, where the trainee addressed Elumelu as “Tony” while speaking during an interactive session.

Elumelu initially appeared to mishear her, asking, “Toyin? Toyin?” before she clarified that she had said, “Good morning, Tony.”

He then corrected her, telling her to address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE”.

“Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. You’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?”

The trainee subsequently addressed him as “Mr Elumelu” and continued with her question.

Since the video went viral, the conversation has continued among corporate workers and other Nigerians, with opinions divided over whether first-name policies should apply across all levels of an organisation or whether employees should defer to senior executives based on age, rank and the setting.

Some workers have also revisited their experiences with first-name policies in Nigerian banks and other corporate organisations, while others argue that such policies can create unnecessary confusion when employees are expected to understand when to use a colleague’s first name and when to revert to formal titles.

Reacting to the incident, Jide Akintunde, #JSAkintunde, said Elumelu’s objection was surprising given his long-standing association with the name Tony.

He wrote, “I am surprised that Tony Elumelu objects to being addressed publicly by his first name. For years, his first name was central to his public and industry branding.”

Akintunde argued that the correction highlighted the power imbalance between Elumelu and the young trainee.

He added, “It likely took immense courage for a trainee to speak up in front of him, and a public correction from such a towering personality can be deeply humiliating.”

He said Elumelu could have expressed his preference privately rather than correcting her publicly.

“It could have joked about it, or pulled her aside later to express his preference. Being addressed by his first name does not diminish his status,” he wrote.

However, some Nigerians disagreed, arguing that first-name culture does not automatically apply to every workplace or situation.

Hamma, #HAHayatu, recalled that Elumelu had previously been known simply as Tony in professional circles.

“We all called him Tony, and he prefers it intact when people call him Mr Elumelu; he frowns,” he wrote, adding that the current situation was understandable because of the age difference between Elumelu and younger members of the workforce.

Taiwo Ogunnaike, @callme_delight, also defended Elumelu, saying the correction was not humiliating.

“The correction was not even humiliating in any way. He was quite gentle with her in my opinion,” he wrote.

He argued that failing to correct her immediately could have created an expectation that others could also address the chairman by his first name.

Maryanne Moghalu, #MaryanneMoghalu, described the greeting as inappropriate, arguing that workplace first-name culture usually depends on permission.

“I personally think it was inappropriate. Even abroad, you address people, especially your superiors in the workplace, formally until they give you the permission to use the first name,” she wrote.

Similarly, Ajokeee, #Aheesha_x, said the setting made the greeting inappropriate.

She wrote, “You’re standing in front of the Chairman of UBA, at a formal event, and your opening is ‘Good morning, Tony.’ This is not your mate, this is not your coursemate, this is not even your boss that you’ve worked closely with for years.”

She added, “There are certain settings where ‘Good morning, sir’ should just come naturally.”

Dr Dípò Awójídé, #OgbeniDipo, also sided with the argument that Nigerian workplace culture should be considered.

“I wouldn’t call Tony Elumelu by his name if I met him. I will add Mr. I would also bow, because of his age,” he wrote.

He argued that corporate training should include lessons on organisational culture and hierarchy.

“In Rome, behave like the Romans. And whenever you are in doubt, remember that respect is a big element of Nigerian culture,” Awójídé added.

Some social media users, however, used the incident to question the inconsistency in how first names are used in Nigerian workplaces.

Romi, #Romi_Edevbe, asked why junior workers could casually address older support staff by their first names while senior executives were treated differently.

“But we can call gatemen and cleaners three times our age by their first name even in the office… But just because… Make una nor put me for talk abeg,” she wrote.

Olawole, #Olawoleaa, recalled his experience at Stanbic IBTC, saying some senior staff members actually preferred first-name greetings.

“If you worked in Stanbic IBTC bank CCC from like 2014 to 2016 or so, you would know Bolanle, she was Head of Customer Experience. If you address Bolanle other than her 1st name, she will collect N1k from you,” he wrote.

Tosin.X, #Dontee___, meanwhile, called on Nigerian HR professionals to reconsider first-name policies.

“Good morning Nigerian HR’s. Today is a good day to bin the first name Policy. You all should stop putting your employee through unnecessary mental stress!” he wrote.

Another user, J #olajide_adedeji, described the debate as a clash between workplace policy and cultural expectations.

“Twitter is a world of two types of people; the logical ones and the emotional ones. There is always that obvious divide during trending discussions,” he wrote.

He added that some people were “citing policy adherence” while others were “citing culture and respect.”

Olúyẹmí Fásípè, #YemieFash, also warned against using Gen Z identity as an excuse for disrespect.

“Being Gen Z doesn’t automatically make you foolish or disrespectful,” he wrote.

“What makes you foolish is consciously choosing to behave badly just because you want to ‘act Gen Z’ or sound a certain way.”

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, #TheTope_Ajayi, joined the discussion by recalling a similar incident involving American poet and author Maya Angelou.

He wrote, “I still remember that old Maya Angelou video where she firmly rebuked a young lady who addressed her by first name during class session.”

Tosin Olaluwoye, #tosin_olaluwoye, argued that Nigerians should not abandon their cultural values while embracing global workplace practices.

“Nigerians are the only people I know who think everything about their culture is wrong,” he wrote.

He argued that people could adopt aspects of Western culture while maintaining their own values, adding that respect remained an important part of Nigerian culture.

The debate has since broadened beyond Elumelu’s response, with Nigerians questioning whether first-name culture should be universal in the workplace or depend on factors such as age, rank, setting and personal preference.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, made the call in a statement posted on his verified X account on Thursday to mark the commencement of the 2027 presidential campaign.

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the state of the country and the kind of nation they wanted to leave for the next generation, citing rising food prices, unemployment, high business costs and insecurity among the challenges confronting citizens.

“The rising cost of food and essential goods has placed enormous pressure on families. Millions of young Nigerians are searching for meaningful employment and opportunities, while businesses are struggling with high operating costs,” Kwankwaso said.

He said insecurity had continued to threaten communities, with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping claiming lives, destroying homes and disrupting livelihoods.

“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” the former governor said.

Kwankwaso also called for urgent investment in education and healthcare, improved infrastructure, stronger institutions, and greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

He, however, said the challenges facing the country should not extinguish hope, noting that Nigeria had the people, resources and potential to build a prosperous and secure nation.

“What we need is leadership with the competence, courage and commitment to put the interests of Nigerians first,” he stated.

Kwankwaso said his decision to work with Peter Obi on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was based on a commitment to Nigeria rather than regional, religious or personal interests.

“Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria. We believe in a country where government serves the people, where hard work is rewarded and where young people can build successful futures at home,” he added.

He appealed to youths, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals to join the political movement and demand accountability, competence and results from those entrusted with public office.

Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and other NDC candidates, saying the 2027 election provided an opportunity for citizens to choose a new direction for the country.

“Let us campaign peacefully, responsibly and with the national interest at heart. Together, we can build a stronger nation, and Nigeria will be ok,” he concluded.

Following gunshots that erupted during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace, one person was reportedly killed in the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo.

The governor had, in the company of his nephew, David Adeleke, popularly called Davido, paid a courtesy visit to the monarch but a clash ensued between two groups outside the palace which resulted in an exchange of gunfire.

The governor’s security team intervened by shooting sporadically into the air, as well as using tear gas to disperse the daring thugs before the governor’s convoy could leave the palace.

In a post on X, Davido wrote, “It was a fight outside the palace that had nothing to do with us! The pple love excellency!”

Meanwhile, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that the shooting started after a known political thug, Adebayo Taoreed, popularly called “Small Rugged”, was resisted by Davido’s security details after attempting to gain access to the Afrobeats star.

“The incident attracted more of his cult gang members who attempted to override the security detail which led to gun exchange.

“The thugs temporarily blocked the palace entrance but were overpowered by the security details before the convoy left the scene with Davido,” he said.

It was gathered that the cult gang later left the scene towards Ayepe area and allegedly shot one Tajudeen Yusuf, 60, at Ita-Olokan area.

Ojelabi confirmed the shooting, adding that an investigation has commenced into the incident, as the Police Commissioner (Election) Samuel Etaifo disclosed that resources will be deployed to apprehend the suspect.

Nafiu also cautioned corps members against “spreading misinformation and AI-generated content,” urging them to verify information before sharing or reposting it on social media.

The NYSC director-general gave the warning on Wednesday during his working visit to the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Katsina, Arise TV reported.

He reminded the corps members that they were required to “remain politically neutral and must not use their NYSC identity or social media platforms to campaign” for political parties or their candidates.

He said: “As corps members, you are not permitted to campaign for any political party or candidate. If your social media activities are traced to political promotion while wearing the NYSC identity, appropriate action will be taken.

“Don’t just share or repost blindly. Think through what you receive. Verify the source, check when the picture was taken and determine whether it has been manipulated by AI. Technology has changed the information space completely.”

Nafiu said advances in artificial intelligence had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine photographs and videos from manipulated materials, making verification important before sharing content online.

He noted that corps members would play an important role in the 2027 elections, as many of them would be deployed as ad hoc electoral personnel.

He described the assignment as an opportunity for corps members to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democracy by helping eligible citizens exercise their right to vote.

Nafiu urged them to take the responsibility seriously and contribute to the conduct of credible, free and fair elections.

He also encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, stressing that vocational and entrepreneurial skills were increasingly important in the current economy.

The NYSC director-general said the orientation programme was designed to instil discipline, leadership, teamwork, obedience and a sense of responsibility among corps members through drills and other activities, including the Man O’ War obstacle exercises.

Earlier, the Katsina State NYSC Coordinator, Evans Okwor, said “1,333 corps members, comprising 759 males and 574 females, had been registered for the orientation exercise.”

Okwor disclosed that 363 camp officials, comprising 173 NYSC staff and 190 personnel from collaborating agencies, were participating in the exercise.

He said the camp clinic had 40 medical personnel and was adequately stocked with essential drugs.

He explained that 783 corps members and 40 camp officials had so far received medical attention, while 14 cases were referred to the General Hospital, Katsina, and two patients remained on admission.

Okwor listed malaria, typhoid fever, asthma, peptic ulcer disease, body pains and blood pressure-related conditions among the common health challenges recorded at the camp.

He commended the corps members for their discipline and positive adaptation to camp activities.

The orientation course, which commenced on August 5, is expected to end on August 25, 2026.

Presidential candidates and national chairmen of major political parties on Tuesday signed the first National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abuja.

The accord was signed on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, alongside the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress signed the accord in person.

Other parties that participated in the signing ceremony, organised by the National Peace Committee, included the Labour Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Social Democratic Party, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party and Zenith Labour Party, among others.

The ceremony was held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Video footage of the event aired on Channels TV shows party leaders and presidential candidates approaching the table one after another to sign the accord.

An MC at the event described the moment as one in which parties and candidates affirm that, despite disagreements on how Nigeria should be governed, “this great nation must move forward in peace and harmony.”

He stressed that the signing is “not a mere ceremony” or simply “putting ink on paper,” but a substantive commitment.

The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has facilitated similar accords in previous election cycles to promote democratic stability and reduce political tensions.

However, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ceremony, Sowore dismissed the accord as a “ritual”, citing deaths recorded during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

“I don’t have faith in it. I’m bringing faith to the system. Those are two different things,” Sowore said.

He alleged that people who signed previous peace accords in Osun State later engaged in violence.

“The people who signed the peace accord in Osun State killed 50 people after they signed the peace accord.

“So if you meant anything at all, why would you sign the peace accord and then go and carry a gun after that and kill 50 people? What will you be expecting after signing today’s peace accord? We conclude the ritual and move on to campaigning.”

Sowore called for a “Justice Accord” that would provide sanctions for candidates or parties that violate the commitments contained in the peace agreement.

Similarly, Obi called for peaceful and issue-based campaigns, saying politicians seeking public office must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the positions they aspire to occupy.

“We have a peaceful, issue-based campaign. We must, for the sake of this country, ensure that our conduct reflects the office we’re seeking, our behaviour. We must do the right thing and campaign on issues that Nigerians are going through today,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor also called for the remembrance of those who lost their lives during the recent Osun governorship election.

“Let us not forget those who died in ensuring that the election in Osun was achieved, the way it went. We should visit them, console their families, remain prayerful and conduct ourselves in a way that in our democracy, nobody needs to die for an election. It is painful, and I wish it never happens again,” he added.

Tuesday’s ceremony marked the first signing of the National Peace Accord by political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general election under the chairmanship of Abubakar.

The programme featured goodwill messages from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot; and the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff.

The ceremony also featured the formal signing by National Assembly and governorship candidates, party chairmen, presidential candidates, the INEC chairman and the Inspector-General of Police.

The suspects are among a total of 11, according to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

This was part of the 24-hour operational successes of the Nigeria Police Force across the country.

He noted that the arrest of the eight suspects was achieved following intelligence-led efforts by the security operatives, adding that the case is undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba, Delta State capital.

“Following the escape of 11 suspects from lawful custody at a police facility in Ughelli, concerted police efforts led to the re-arrest of eight suspects.  Status: SCID Asaba Investigating,” the statement partly read.

It also added that on Sunday, August 16, 2026, operatives arrested a suspect in connection with the “illegal disposal of oil-contaminated sludge” along the Ughelli/Iyede Expressway, with the case presently undergoing investigation at SCID Asaba.

“The suspect was arrested at the scene.  One truck allegedly used in the illegal activity was recovered,” he added.

In Anambra State, on Monday, August 17, 2026, officers, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a 49-year-old male suspect at Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

“One pump-action gun and 50 live cartridges were recovered from his possession,” the FPRO said, adding that investigations are underway at SCID Awka.

Another operational success was recorded in Kogi State where operatives were able to secure the release of 12 abducted victims who reunited with their families on Monday, August 17, 2026.

“Sustained pressure by security forces led to the release of 12 abducted victims at Abocho, Dekina LGA.  The victims were taken to the Divisional Police Headquarters, debriefed and subsequently reunited with their families,” Iniedu added.

Updates on operational success were also recorded in the Federal Capital Territory and Oyo, Benue, Niger, Bayelsa and Ogun states.

The suspects, identified as Bidemi Tijani, 29, and Olajide Rasaq, 42, were arrested on August 15 following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit.

The command said in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, that the suspects were arrested after operatives received intelligence that members of the syndicate, who disguised as commercial taxi operators, were sighted in a taxi heading towards Ita-Oshin, Abeokuta.

“Acting promptly on the tip-off, tactical operatives of the VCRU gave the fleeing robbers a hot chase towards Ita-Oshin, successfully intercepting the vehicle and apprehending the two suspects.

“Upon interrogation and putting down their statements under caution, both suspects confessed to being active members of the ‘One Chance’ robbery syndicate terrorizing commuters within the Abeokuta metropolis.

“Efforts are currently being intensified by operatives to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, establish the full extent of their activities, and recover necessary exhibits,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the VCRU operatives for their swift response, operational vigilance and tactical professionalism.

Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities in the state, warning that perpetrators of crime would find no safe haven in Ogun State.

He urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or criminal activities to the police without delay through Gateway Shield, 0800 000 9111, or the emergency lines 09164859299 and 09154293464.

​He gave the charge at the licensing and commissioning of 10 pioneer lay readers for the diocese at the Cathedral Church of St. John, Akinmoorin, Oyo State, on Sunday.

​Familoni said at the event that working in God’s vineyard requires faithfulness and deep commitment.

​”It is better not to offer yourself for God’s service than to offer yourself and not be faithful. God requires faithfulness. It is not the volume of work you do for God that matters; it is being faithful in what He has asked you to do,” he said.

​According to him, God does not reward sacrifice that is devoid of obedience.

“You remember Saul. He was asked to destroy the Amalekites, but he spared the king and some of the spoil under the claim that he wanted to sacrifice them to God.

​”Samuel, a prophet of God, told him obedience is better than sacrifice. You cannot earn God’s favour by doing things He has not commanded. I am urging you, as you begin this journey as lay readers in this diocese, to let commitment and faithfulness be your watchwords,” he added.

​While noting that the lay readers are pioneers in that arm of the diocese, he said, “It is the example you set today that people coming behind you will build on.

“I want to encourage you to brace yourselves for hard work and be dedicated to the cause of Christ. God, who sees your labour of love, will reward you in His own time.”

​Serving as a lay reader, according to the Anglican tradition, is a noble calling.

“Not everybody has the capacity and calling to do what you are doing or what you have signed up to do. I want you to see it as a privilege to serve the Lord in this capacity. I want you to be faithful,” he said.

​The licensing and commissioning ceremony was a remarkable event in the young diocese’s history.

​ Familoni prayed that the pioneer lay readers would faithfully proclaim God’s word, serve God’s people with humility, and become effective instruments in advancing Christ’s Kingdom.