A graduate trainee who went viral after addressing UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu by his first name has been offered ₦500,000 and an ambassadorial role following the controversy surrounding the incident.
The exchange occurred during the graduation ceremony for participants in UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme. While preparing to ask a question, the trainee greeted Elumelu by saying, “Good morning, Tony.”
Elumelu initially asked whether she had said “Toyin.” After she repeated the greeting, he corrected her, saying he preferred to be addressed as “Mr Elumelu,” “TOE” or “Chairman.” He added that he did not subscribe to the Western practice of addressing senior figures by their first names. The trainee subsequently addressed him as “Mr Elumelu” before proceeding with her question.
The video generated widespread discussion on social media. While some people criticised the trainee for failing to observe workplace etiquette, others argued that addressing executives by their first names is common in some modern corporate environments.
Following the online reaction, Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, appealed for an end to the social media criticism directed at the trainee and announced a support package for her in a Facebook post on Saturday.
According to Tribune Online, the package includes ₦500,000 in cash support, an ambassadorial role, round-trip flights to Asaba, five-star hotel accommodation and VIP access to the fourth Delta Social Media Summit. The trainee was also invited to address attendees and share her experience at the event.
The summit is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba, Delta State. Ossai asked the trainee to contact the event organisers ahead of the programme.
While acknowledging Elumelu’s effort to highlight workplace protocol, Ossai emphasised that young professionals who make mistakes should receive guidance and mentorship rather than prolonged public condemnation.