Nigerian media executive and CEO of EbonyLife Cinema, Mo Abudu, has joined the ongoing debate over how younger people should address older colleagues in corporate settings, saying she expects younger people to show respect when addressing her formally.
The media mogul shared her opinion during a recent interview on Toke Moments, where she described herself as a “very traditional” person whose views are influenced by her cultural upbringing.
The sexagenarian said she does not approve of younger people addressing her by her first name and noted that she usually corrects them when it happens. She added that she is more accommodating when people from outside the Yoruba culture address her casually, but still politely corrects them, emphasising the importance of maintaining cultural values.
Speaking about how successful women are perceived in business, Abudu argued that traits that may be viewed negatively when associated with women are often described more positively when referring to men.
“If I was a man, they wouldn’t say I was a shark. They’re going to say she’s an astute businesswoman,” she said.
On relationships, the media executive said she would prefer a partner who is her age or older. She noted that her partner “must have achieved something” for her to respect him, adding that heartbreak is no longer something she is concerned about at her age.
Her comments come amid a wider debate over workplace etiquette and the appropriate way for younger employees to address senior executives.
The debate was sparked by a viral video showing an interaction between former UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and a graduate trainee during the graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme.
In the video, the trainee was heard saying, “Good morning, Tony”, while addressing the businessman. Elumelu, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the manner of address and corrected her, asking her to refer to him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE”.