society
IGNORANCE & EGO IN MISUNDERSTANDING OF NAMES & TITLES IN AFRICA
IGNORANCE & EGO IN MISUNDERSTANDING OF NAMES & TITLES IN AFRICA
I have listened to many people in Nigeria who when you ask them to tell you their name; you hear words like” My Name is Dr. XYZ, My name is Prof. XZY., My name is Chief XYZ.
1. In fact, I recall some years ago, someone was introduced, and the person got so angry that Otunba was omitted in his name.
2. Let me correct this wrong notion that Profession is not a name and title is not a name.
3. You hear people say I am surveyor XYZ…No…it is wrong. It should be for example my name is Gbenga Adeoye., I am a Land or Estate Surveyor & Valuer. ( The author is not a surveyor, please )
4. This desire for title is a sign of emptiness, and it has entered the church too.
5. Some want to be addressed as Evangelist XYZ..even young boys singing here and there now add prefix of evangelist this and that …
6. This is what inferiority complex and ego is doing to us in Africa.
7. In US, I recall, even we executive students that came to Harvard for a short time address our lecturers by first name. We call them ..Mike, John…etc. You hear words like
“Join me as I welcome John Bedford.
John is a Professor of Business Management.”
8. Great men like Bro Gbile Akanni are still brothers .
9. Small boys are now Apostles because despite no spiritual result to show ; they just want to copy some Apostles that have result to show for their labour.
10. Some people who are now called Apostles and Bishops, even in their hearts, knows they do not carry such title in their work with God. It is fake, until it becomes real.
11. I know a billionaire who cautions somebody to address him by his name and not add Alhaji to it.
12. My concern rose when I watched the Senate screening of a nominee who got angry that his name is Professor XYZ, and they have been addressing him as Mr.XYZ.
13. This is a very serious problem in Nigeria and Africa.
14. There is a level you will get to that your title become attached to your name when people want to mention your name. That is a level that Prof. Wole Soyinka had gotten to many years ago.
15. The likes of Pastor E.A Adeboye and Pastor Kumuyi are at that level too where anyone who wants to mention their names finds it uncomfortable, not to add that prefix.
16. I do hear people ignorantly say … point of correction . My name is not Mr XYZ…My name is Dr. XYZ or Prof. XYZ…or Engr. XYZ..or Chief or Otunba XYZ.
17. The point of correction is to you because you do not know the difference between what a name is or what a Prefix or title is.
18. Here is the way to answer question like tell us your name and who you are or brief about yourself, I am Olugbenga Adeyemi ADEOYE.
I am from Ogun State.
I am a Professor of Accounting or Law or Medicine at XYZ University.( hypothetical example)
19. As a matter of fact, if the questions end at your name.
You just say I am Gbenga Adeoye.
20. This misconception was properly addressed by Adams Oshiomole that Professor is not part of your name during Senate committee screening of a nominated INEC commissioner. (Although I wish he spoke more about it)
21. I hear people say :
I am Senator XYZ .That is very wrong.!!!
Rather, you will say I am Olugbenga Adeyemi Adeoye ; senator representing XYZ Constituency of XYZ state.
22. The honour of prefix attachment to your name is better done by people, not you adding it when people ask for your name.
23. Please, let no one get me wrong …I am an advocate of the fact that if you truly work for your PhD . Put it on your card, even if you have written Dr. XYZ …I argued that “PhD” showing on your card is what differentiate you from the bastardized honorary doctorate degrees around Nigeria where everybody now call themselves Dr. XYZ but if you add PhD in front. Then we would know your Doctorate is as a result of hard work of research .
24. I do know of course that, there are people who didn’t go for proper study or research and all of a sudden, you just hear them say they now have PhD…
25. You only need to ask them few questions to know they are fake PhD holders, such as:
i. What was your research based on?
ii. Who supervised your thesis.?
iii. Who was your external examiner?
iv. Who was your internal examiner?
v. What was the addition you added to knowledge?
vi. When was your doctorate declared?
vii. How was your Pre – Field ?
viii. How was your Post-Field?
ix. How was your Oral?
26. If you ask someone who bought a PhD or holding a fake PhD any of the above questions, you will see them confused because they never studied nor carried out any research to get it.
27. It is very worrisome that in various departments of our institutions of higher learning in Africa; there are people holding fake certificates and yet working as lecturers. How then do you want to end examination malpractice?
28. These are the kind of lecturers that demand money from students.
29. I understand we even have such people in Secondary Schools as teachers now.!!!
Teachers who sell grades to students in high schools. Men and women without conscience. Those who cannot give them money will get low scores.
It is better not to have enough teachers or lecturers than have people who compromise academic standards.
No wonder, most high school students see cheating in WAEC or NECO or JAMB exams as a way because evil teachers have made them to believe you must buy grades.
CONCLUSION
Title is not a name and let us know that Profession is also not a name.
While we give honour to whom honour is due, we must find a way to flush out fake degree holders from our system .
We must focus on having men with integrity and truthfulness as teachers so that we can produce graduates with character and not just mere certificate with too many dishonest and wild people around .
The Aurthor, Gbenga Adeoye is a Lawyer and Chartered Accountant with a PhD in Management Accounting and an LLM in International Business Law
He can be reached via email at
[email protected]
society
Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos
Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.
The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.
According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.
The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.
At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.
She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.
The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.
Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.
Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.
They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.
The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.
society
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.
May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.
In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.
### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.
2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.
UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.
3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.
4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.
For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.
United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.
society
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.
In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.
According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.
He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.
“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.
The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.
He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.
“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.
Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.
“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.
The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.
He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.
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