SGF Orders Media to Use Correct Presidential Title, Warns Against ‘Avoidable Errors’

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has directed media organisations and the public to immediately adopt the correct official title of President Bola Tinubu, warning that repeated misrepresentations constitute a breach of protocol and must cease.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 8, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF expressed concern over what he described as frequent errors in the way the President’s appellation is presented by some organisations and media outlets. The clarification was personally signed by Senator Akume, who noted that a national daily had on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, published an article containing an incorrect version of the President’s name and official designation.

“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 Akume stated.

The SGF urged journalists, editors, and public institutions to verify official titles before publication to prevent what he called “avoidable and embarrassing errors.” He emphasised that such lapses undermine institutional integrity and respect for state protocol, adding that due diligence through appropriate official sources would eliminate these mistakes.

Senator George Akume further provided official channels through which confirmations can be obtained. These include the OSGF’s Facebook page @OfficeoftheSGF, Instagram handle @OfficialOSGFNG, X (formerly Twitter) @OfficialOSGF, and the official email address info@osgf.gov.ng.

The SGF noted that accurate representation of public office holders is essential to maintaining the dignity of state institutions and called on all media organisations to ensure strict adherence to the approved designation in all official communications going forward. Senator George Akume reiterated that the directive applies to all forms of publication, including print, online, broadcast, and official government correspondence.