The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Success, has offered N500,000 cash support and an ambassadorial deal to the young UBA employee who recently went viral after addressing the bank’s chairman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name.

According to a report by Punch E-Paper, Ossai announced the package in a Facebook post, offering the woman complimentary VIP access, flight tickets to Asaba, and 5-star hotel accommodation for the fourth edition of the Delta Social Media Summit on August 27, 2026.

Beyond the event invitation, Ossai offered her a brand ambassador role for the annual summit and a guided tour of developmental projects across Delta State.
‘She made a mistake, but we don’t need to torment her’

Explaining his decision to step in, the governor's aide stated that the online backlash directed at the trainee had become excessive and harmful.

"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 acknowledged Elumelu's handling of the situation, thanking the UBA Group Chairman for "pointing out the needed correction that will further strengthen respect in our society."

Appeal to the public, Ossai urged anyone with direct contact with the young woman to have her reach out to him so they could "turn this pain into purpose."

The incident occurred during UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP) graduation ceremony, where the trainee addressed Elumelu simply as "Tony" while asking a question.

Elumelu corrected her during the session, stating: "Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. You’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?"

The exchange generated widespread discussion online, splitting public opinion between traditional African corporate etiquette and the informal first-name workplace cultures common in modern multinational organizations.

ID