A young corporate trainee who sparked widespread online discussion after addressing billionaire banker Tony Elumelu by his first name has been offered a ₦500,000 financial package, an ambassadorial role, and a public platform to share her side of the story.

The incident occurred during a graduation ceremony for United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP). Given the floor to speak, the graduate initiated her remarks with, “Good morning, Tony.”

Elumelu immediately interjected, instructing her to address him as “Mr. Elumelu” or “TOE” or “Chairman,” clarifying that he does not subscribe to informal first-name greetings in corporate settings.

The exchange quickly went viral, igniting debate across Nigerian social media regarding corporate hierarchy, cultural respect, and modern workplace etiquette.

Following the online reaction, Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, publicly appealed for an end to social media criticism directed at the trainee and announced a supportive package.

He made the announcement in a post via his verified Facebook handle on Saturday.

The package includes:

Financial Assistance: ₦500,000 in direct cash support.

Ambassadorial Role: Appointment as an ambassador for the 4th Delta Social Media Summit.

VIP Hospitality: Round-trip flight tickets to Asaba, five-star hotel accommodation, and access to the summit holding at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park.

Public Speaking Platform: An invitation to address attendees and detail her personal experience.

Ossai commended Elumelu for highlighting workplace protocol while emphasising the importance of providing mentorship rather than public condemnation when young professionals make mistakes.

The viral graduate trainee has been invited to connect with event organizers ahead of the scheduled summit in Asaba. (Saturday Tribune)

Update news