David Ochayi
(Shaffy Bello. Photo by Vanguard News)
Nollywood star Shaffy Bello recently shared her perspective on generational etiquette, emphasizing the importance of honorifics when younger individuals interact with elders.
She firmly believes that addressing seniors by their first names is inappropriate and prefers titles such as “Ma’am” or “Sir” to foster respect.
Her stance gained attention after a widely discussed incident in which a young woman referred to UBA chairman Tony Elumelu by his first name, prompting him to request formal address.
This exchange ignited a broader debate about generational courtesy and cultural norms.
Bello revealed her personal approach when young people attempt to call her simply “Shaffy.”
She gently but firmly reminds them that familiarity must be earned—and in her case, it never will be.
As a mother, she finds it particularly unsettling when peers of her own children address her casually, reinforcing her belief in maintaining boundaries.
For the actress, the matter extends beyond mere semantics.
She laments what she sees as the erosion of traditional respect, noting that courteous terms like “Ma’am” have faded from everyday interactions.
Even informal greetings like “Hi” bother her, as they lack the deference she believes elders deserve.
While acknowledging cultural differences—particularly between Nigerian and American norms—she maintains that reverence for elders should remain universal.
“Even in the U.S., kids call me ‘Ma,’” she noted, highlighting that respect transcends geographical upbringing.
Bello also shared her diplomatic approach to correcting younger individuals.
Rather than rebuking them, she chooses to guide them with patience, attributing their behavior to upbringing while gently reinforcing proper etiquette.
