Sowore Calls for Support for UBA Trainee Amid Backlash

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has called for United Bank for Africa (UBA) to offer psychological support to a young trainee who faced public backlash after addressing the bank's chairman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name. The incident gained attention after a video of their interaction went viral, where the trainee initially greeted Elumelu as "Tony" before correcting herself.

Sowore stated that the backlash transcended mere workplace etiquette and reflected Nigeria's entrenched class structure. He argued that the outrage was more about status, wealth, and power than cultural differences.

Sowore expressed concern for the trainee's welfare, given the ridicule she has faced since the video emerged, and insisted that no young employee should endure the psychological consequences of becoming a public controversy alone. He urged UBA to prioritize her dignity and mental well-being over corporate hierarchy and social media outrage.