A young UBA employee who found herself at the centre of a social media storm after calling the bank’s chairman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name has received a surprise show of support from a Delta State government aide.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media to Delta State Governor, Ossai Success, has offered the woman a N500,000 cash gift, a VIP trip to Asaba and an ambassadorial role following the controversy that erupted after the viral incident.
Ossai announced the package in a Facebook post on Saturday, saying the gesture was aimed at turning what had become a painful experience for the staff member into a positive opportunity.
The offer includes a free trip to Delta State for the fourth edition of the Delta Social Media Summit holding on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with flight tickets, five-star hotel accommodation, a guided tour of government projects and VIP access to the event.
Beyond the financial support, Ossai said the woman would also be considered for a brand ambassador role for the annual Delta Social Media Summit.
Defending his decision, the governor’s aide said the backlash against the young woman had gone too far, warning that harsh reactions online could have serious emotional consequences.
“I know the internet can be harsh. Depression is real, and words cut deep. She made a mistake, but we don’t need to torment her daily; she needs our support,” Ossai wrote.
He also praised Elumelu for correcting what he described as the need for respect in public interactions.
“Thank you Mr Tony Elumelu for pointing out the needed correction that will further strengthen respect in our society,” he added.
Ossai urged anyone who knows the UBA employee to reach out to her and encourage her to contact him.
“I will give her a good time and a platform to tell her story. Let’s turn this pain into purpose. She won’t be disappointed,” he said.
The controversy began after a video from UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony surfaced online.
During the event, the young woman, while asking a question, referred to Elumelu simply as “Tony” — a move that immediately drew his attention.
Elumelu, who initially appeared amused by the comment, corrected her and insisted on a more formal mode of address.
“Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. You’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman,” he said, adding that he did not subscribe to what he called the “Oyinbo life” style of addressing senior figures by their first names.
The employee quickly apologised and changed her address to “Mr Elumelu” before continuing with her question.
The clip triggered a heated online debate, with some Nigerians backing Elumelu’s position on respect and corporate etiquette, while others argued that the woman may have been influenced by the first-name culture common in some international workplaces.
The incident happened during the graduation ceremony of 374 participants of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, which the bank described as part of its drive to groom future leaders across its African operations.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
ALSO READ:
Tony Elumelu Meets Lady Who Called Him ‘Tony’ As Viral Drama Takes New Twist
