​"I Can't Stand 'Hi'" – Shaffy Bello Clarifies Viral Tony Elumelu Video

Shaffy Bello (Nigerian film actress and singer)

 Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stated that she expects younger individuals to demonstrate respect by addressing elders with appropriate titles rather than using their first names.

Her remarks follow a widely circulated exchange involving UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu, who was addressed simply as “Tony” by a young woman at a recent event. Elumelu corrected the individual, requesting to be referred to as “Mr. Elumelu” or “TOE.” The incident subsequently sparked a broader public discourse regarding age, respect, and social etiquette in addressing elders.

Speaking on her own experiences during a recent podcast appearance, Bello expressed that she does not take kindly to being addressed simply as “Shaffy” by people significantly younger than her.

“When a child calls me by my name, Shaffy, I pull them closer and tell them, ‘You haven’t earned the right, and you never will,’” she said.

The actress elaborated that because she has children of a similar age to those addressing her, she finds the practice particularly uncomfortable.

“I have a child as old as you are, and even if I do not have children, you have not earned the right and you will never earn the right at your age to call me by name,” she added.

For Bello, the matter extends beyond the mere use of first names, as she maintains that traditional expressions of respect—such as "Ma'am"—should be preserved.

“Whatever happened to Ma’am?” she asked, noting that she finds the casual greeting “Hi” equally irritating.

“There is even something about this ‘Hi’; I can’t stand it,” Bello said.

She attributed these variations in how older adults are addressed to cultural norms and upbringing, highlighting distinct practices across regions in Nigeria as well as in the United States.

According to Bello, children in the United States routinely employ respectful titles when addressing their elders.

“Even children in the U.S. call me ‘Ma,’” she said, stressing that respect for elders remains important to her.

Bello had previously explained that when younger individuals address her with “Hi Shaffy,” she recognizes that upbringing and cultural background often shape how people interact with their elders. However, she noted that she prefers to offer gentle guidance rather than react harshly.