A heartwarming video of Nigerian skit maker Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taaooma, has gone viral after she showed deep respect to her senior colleagues at the Humour Awards. The clip captures Taaooma approaching comedians Julius Agwu and Bovi Ugboma during the event, where she knelt to greet them, a gesture that has drawn widespread admiration online.
Taaooma Kneels to Greet Julius Agwu and Bovi
In the viral video, Taaooma is seen first exchanging pleasantries with Julius Agwu before going down on her knees to greet him. She then turns to Bovi, who was seated beside Agwu, and remains on her knees while greeting him. The skit maker spends a few moments chatting with the comedians before standing up to hug another guest nearby. The gesture has been hailed as a display of cultural respect and humility.
Fans Praise Taaooma's Humility
Many social media users have praised Taaooma for her respectful conduct. Some compared her to actress Toyin Abraham, noting that she embodies similar values of humility and respect for elders. Others commented that such gestures are becoming rare among younger generations, who might simply shake hands or ignore senior colleagues at events.
Julius Agwu's Outfit Sparks Comparisons
While Taaooma's actions stole the spotlight, Julius Agwu's outfit also became a topic of discussion. The comedian wore a mint-green head covering and a flowing matching garment, which many users likened to the style of gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori. Some questioned his fashion choice, while others attributed it to the growing trend of men embracing unconventional styles.
Social Media Reactions
The video has generated a flurry of comments on Instagram. User @hoyin_20 remarked, "Them no go call am Alabosi now, but if na Toyin Abraham, dem go say she be Alabos." @evoncouture1 added, "This is culture..only people who lack culture would criticise this. Give honour to whom honour is due." @moreniky joked, "Men don dey drag Kimono and pashmina with women again haaa, first boubou now this. O ti da." @bunbright6 noted, "That's the way she greets people, but wait for awon omo alaileko to wake up." @smartfeetzz humorously asked, "Why Julius con resemble Yinka Alaseyori like dis?" However, not all reactions were positive; @sukii_barigas_ criticized the gesture, saying, "She go kneel tired because there are plenty there, this kind eye service society, why can't she say hi, and leave immediately."
Cultural Significance of Kneeling in Nigeria
In many Nigerian cultures, kneeling is a traditional sign of respect, especially when greeting elders or superiors. Taaooma's gesture has been widely celebrated as a preservation of this cultural value. It has also sparked conversations about the importance of respect in the entertainment industry.
Similar Acts of Respect by Celebrities
This is not the first time a Nigerian celebrity has been praised for showing respect. Recently, actress Eucharia Anunobi was captured kneeling to greet veteran actress Joke Silva at an event, earning widespread admiration. Such acts highlight the enduring importance of cultural traditions in modern Nigeria.
