What I Do When A Child Calls Me By My Name’ – Shaffy Bello Reveals

Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has shared her views on the importance of showing respect to older people, particularly in the way younger individuals address their elders.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, the veteran actress spoke about the issue while reacting to the recent controversy surrounding UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and a young woman who addressed him by his first name, “Tony,” during an event.

Bello said she personally does not appreciate being addressed simply as “Shaffy” by people who are considerably younger than her.

The actress explained that she believes younger people should use appropriate titles when speaking to older individuals as a sign of respect.

Speaking during a recent podcast, Bello said that whenever a child addresses her by her first name, she confronts the person about the manner of address.

She explained that the issue becomes even more significant when the person addressing her is around the same age as her children.

Bello questioned why younger people would not use respectful titles such as “Ma” or “Ma’am” when speaking to older adults.

She also expressed her dislike for casual greetings such as “Hi,” saying she considers them inappropriate when used by younger people addressing their elders.

The actress attributed differences in how people interact with older adults partly to upbringing and cultural practices.

She noted that respect for elders remains important in different societies and recalled that even children in the United States sometimes address her as “Ma.”

Bello maintained that the use of respectful titles is an important aspect of showing regard for older people and preserving cultural values surrounding respect for elders.