Write your name right, by Chinua Asuzu

Unless a form, medium, or platform constrains you otherwise, state your name in this order: first name–[middle name or initials]–surname/last name.

Place your first name first and your last name last.

You’ve heard of Nelson Mandela, right? But you’ve never heard of Mandela Nelson.

You’ve heard of Muhammadu Buhari, right? But you’ve never heard of Buhari Muhammadu.

You’ve heard of Obafemi Awolowo, right? But you’ve never heard of Awolowo Obafemi.

You’ve heard of Nnamdi Azikiwe, right? But you’ve never heard of Azikiwe Nnamdi.

You’ve heard of Wole Soyinka, right? But you’ve never heard of Soyinka Wole.

You’ve heard of Aminu Kano, right? But you’ve never heard of Kano Aminu.

Just because some forms, especially at school, require you to state your last name first doesn’t make it the typical or correct style.

Your name says in essence “[YOU] child of [YOUR FATHER or ANCESTOR].” It can’t be the other way around.

So restore your ancestors to their pride of place, lest you receive a visitation of the gods!