[VIDEO] “It seems you attended my naming ceremony,” Veteran Journalist reacts after fresh graduate calls him ‘Reuben’ on Arise TV

A fresh university graduate sparked a light-hearted exchange on Arise TV after addressing veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati simply as “Reuben”.

Abati, who has more than three decades of experience in journalism and broadcasting, appeared amused by the young interviewer’s choice of address before responding with a witty remark.

“It seems like you attended my naming ceremony. When I see you, I’ll tell you my history in this profession,” Abati said.

The exchange has since attracted attention on social media, with Nigerians debating whether younger professionals should address more experienced figures by their first names.

While some viewers considered the graduate’s use of Abati’s first name harmless, others argued that his experience and status in the media industry warranted a more formal form of address.

The incident has also revived conversations about changing professional etiquette and the differences in how younger and older generations approach workplace interactions.

Reuben Adeleye Abati is a Nigerian journalist, politician, television presenter and newspaper columnist. He served as Special Adviser on Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2011 to 2015 and was the Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State in the 2019 election.

The exchange has continued to generate reactions online, with some users defending the graduate’s approach while others called for greater respect when addressing senior professionals.

Click the link to watch the video.

One user, @thomas_kolapo, wrote: “This Gen Z are something else. They should accord some respect to their superiors name.”

Another user, uncle_ooo, commented: “Wetin this August carry come like dis , dem won dey nack name for elders head 😂 😂😂.”

@DGentle100 said: “Lol Honestly this shouldn’t really be a big deal the whites don’t actually take this to heart Even kids do call way more prestigious people of his age by their names.”

Another commenter, billionaireloom, wrote: “His name is Reuben period!!!! What annoys me is that when Reuben goes to England and a 17 years old person calls him that he will answer quickly! Nonsense.”

@x_trim_fashion said: “As Rufai dey always fight Lere Olayinka reach, he will says MR LERE, despite his experience in the profession…… Let’s stop supporting rubbish. Mr/Ms are simple courtesies that should always be used.”

Meanwhile, _thebiigsam offered a different perspective, saying: “It’s a very different situation with Tony’s own. In Journalism, you address the presenter with their first names. If you like be a Knight or a Lord, as far as you are a presenter, na by first name! U no fih farm engagement with this one abeg.”