21/08/2026
UNMASKED ‼️ “YOU WILL NOT CALL ME TONY” — A LESSON IN RESPECT, DECORUM & CORPORATE ETIQUETTE 🗣️‼️
I watched a video where a young lady was about to ask a question from Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings. She opened with, “Good morning, Tony.”
Honestly, I paused.
Not because calling someone by their first name is automatically wrong, but because context matters. There is a time, place, and manner for everything—especially when addressing someone older than you, a respected public figure, or a senior professional in a formal setting.
Mr. Elumelu calmly corrected her: “You will not call me Tony.” And I think there is a lesson here.
Some people have argued that we should simply “give her grace.” Of course, nobody is perfect, and perhaps she genuinely did not understand the weight of the moment. But correcting someone respectfully is not the opposite of grace. Sometimes, correction itself is an act of grace.
We should stop treating every form of disrespect as merely a “generational difference.” Modernity does not mean abandoning courtesy. Confidence does not mean disrespect. And being Gen Z, Gen Alpha, or from any particular generation does not exempt anyone from learning basic social and professional etiquette.
You can be intelligent, beautiful, stylish, outspoken, ambitious and successful—and still say “Sir” or “Mr. Elumelu.”
Respect does not make you smaller.
Humility does not reduce your confidence.
Courtesy does not take away your voice.
In fact, sometimes the way you address people says more about your upbringing and character than your achievements ever will.
And to our young people: be bold, but be respectful. Be confident, but remain teachable. Challenge systems when necessary, but never lose your sense of courtesy.
Greatness does not require arrogance. You can carry yourself with confidence while still honouring those who came before you.
Respect will never go out of fashion. ❤️
