A Nigerian TikTok user has sparked widespread discussion after sharing the unconventional rules she encountered at her friend's naming ceremony. The incident, which occurred recently, has drawn mixed reactions from netizens about modern parenting approaches in Nigeria.
The Unexpected Welcome Note
User @tush_alaga documented her experience attending her friend's naming ceremony in a now-viral TikTok video. What made the event memorable wasn't just the celebration itself, but the set of seven rules guests were required to read before entering the venue.
The new parents displayed a notice titled "WELCOME TO OUR HOME!" that outlined specific requests to protect their newborn's wellbeing. The lady particularly noted that rule number five caught her attention the most, prompting her to share the entire list online with the caption: "Na that number 5 weak me pass, lolz."
Breaking Down the Seven Rules
The comprehensive list of rules demonstrated the parents' commitment to their baby's safety and comfort. The first rule mandated that all guests use hand sanitizer immediately upon entry to keep the infant's hands germ-free.
Rule two specifically addressed the baby's appearance, requesting that visitors avoid touching the baby's chubby cheeks despite their undeniable cuteness. The third rule clarified the baby's complete name as IREWAMIRI, emphasizing that the shortened version "Ire" was not acceptable.
The fourth guideline asked guests to refrain from kissing the baby on the mouth, while the fifth rule—which the TikTok user found most amusing—instructed visitors to speak to the baby in a normal, clear voice rather than using baby talk like "Jigijigigi yigiyigi."
Rule six politely declined unsolicited parenting advice, noting that the parents already had a strong support system. The final rule asked guests to avoid shaking the baby's hands or touching its ears.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The naming ceremony rules have generated diverse responses across social media platforms. Many Nigerian parents expressed support for the guidelines, with some even planning to implement similar measures in the future.
User B?a?b❤️y❤️M?h❤️o☺️y?o?r commented: "I've screenshot this Incase of future and will even do translation Incase of those that don't understand English." This sentiment was echoed by THEFIRSTAFILAKES⚡️?, who suggested adding a Yoruba translation for non-English speakers.
Bukola Kolade shared her alternative approach: "Lol. it all good. But I don't need this because NO-ONE touches my kids aside me and my household." Another user, omablack12, defended the rules as "very valid," noting that visitors wouldn't be available to help if the baby became sick from exposure to germs.
Isiomaʕ´•ᴥ•`ʔ? highlighted the developmental importance of the rules, stating: "These are actually very important for the baby's development!!" while EBEYIN PERFUME OIL & DECANT simply praised the parents with "Kudos to this parent ??my typeeeeee."
Broader Cultural Context
This incident reflects evolving parenting practices in Nigeria, where traditional naming ceremonies typically involve extensive physical interaction with the newborn. The parents' proactive approach demonstrates increasing awareness about infant health and safety in communal settings.
The viral nature of the TikTok video, shared in November 2025, shows how social media continues to influence and document changing cultural norms around parenting and child-rearing practices in Nigeria.
As naming ceremonies remain significant cultural events in Nigerian society, this story highlights how modern parents are balancing tradition with contemporary health considerations to protect their children's wellbeing.
