UBA Trainee Receives Support After Viral Elumelu Incident

During a graduation ceremony for the United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), a young corporate trainee addressed billionaire banker Tony Elumelu informally as "Tony." Elumelu interrupted her, instructing her to use "Mr. Elumelu," "TOE," or "Chairman," emphasizing the importance of formal greetings in corporate environments. This exchange went viral, prompting discussions on corporate hierarchy and workplace etiquette on Nigerian social media.

In response to the backlash against the trainee, Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, announced a supportive package for her, which includes ₦500,000, an ambassadorial role, and a public platform to share her experience. He commended Elumelu for reinforcing workplace protocol while advocating for mentorship rather than public condemnation of young professionals.

The trainee has been invited to connect with event organizers for an upcoming summit in Asaba.