Elumelu Addresses Trainee's Informal Greeting at UBA Event

At the UBA Graduate Management Accelerated Programme 2026, billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu, aged 63, corrected a young lady who referred to him as "Tony." This incident surprised both Elumelu and the audience present. He advised her to address him with appropriate respect, reflecting cultural norms that emphasize respect for elders and authority figures.

The incident has gone viral, eliciting mixed reactions online. Some commentators criticized the trainee for her informal address, while others defended her, arguing that in private organizations, first-name usage can be acceptable regardless of age or position.

Elumelu's comments also indicated his disapproval of what he termed an "Oyinbo lifestyle," suggesting he values traditional Nigerian cultural practices. He shared the clip of the event on his Instagram, where he has 2.3 million followers, and noted that the UBA Graduate Management Programme has trained over 5,000 young professionals since its inception.

His tenure as chairman will conclude on August 21, 2026.