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FG Clarifies Tinubu’s Official Appellation, Insists on Incorporation of ‘His Excellency’ Title

From ThisDay · (3h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigeria's Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has corrected the official title for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
  • The OSGF clarified that the correct appellation is 'His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria'.
  • The clarification aims to prevent embarrassing errors in media publications and urges verification of official titles.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has stepped in to rectify a recurring error in the official designation of Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement released yesterday, the OSGF emphasized the correct and formal appellation for the nation's leader, aiming to curb the persistent inaccuracies observed in various media reports.

For the record, the correct and official appellation is: His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

— Senator George AkumeThe Secretary to the Government of the Federation stated the official title of the President.

According to the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the OSGF, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, who issued the clarification, the definitive title is 'His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.' This precise phrasing was personally endorsed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, underscoring its official status.

The OSGF's intervention comes after an instance where a national daily incorrectly used the President's title on May 7, 2026. Senator Akume stressed the importance of diligence, urging media organizations and the public alike to verify official titles before publication. He provided the OSGF's official channels—including social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as an email address—as resources for verification. This proactive measure seeks to prevent future embarrassments and ensure the consistent and accurate representation of the presidency.

The clarification became necessary after an error was observed in the naming and appellation of the President in a publication by a national daily on May 7, 2026.

— Senator George AkumeSenator Akume explained the reason behind the OSGF's statement.

This clarification highlights a commitment to protocol and accuracy within the Nigerian government. It serves as a reminder to all stakeholders of the need for precision when referring to high-ranking officials, ensuring that the dignity and authority of the office are appropriately maintained in all public communications. The OSGF's directive is a crucial step in upholding the standards of official reporting and public discourse in Nigeria.

Such lapses can be avoided with due verification through the appropriate sources.

— Senator George AkumeSenator Akume advised media organizations on how to avoid similar errors in the future.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.