Delta Aide Offers UBA Employee N500,000, VIP Trip After Elumelu Controversy

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

Ossai also offered the employee a complimentary VIP trip to Asaba for the fourth edition of the Delta Social Media Summit scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The package, according to Ossai, includes N500,000 cash support, flight tickets to Asaba and five-star hotel accommodation.

He also offered her a guided tour of developmental projects across Delta State and VIP access to the summit at Mariam Babangida Leisure Park, opposite Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

In addition, Ossai offered the woman a brand ambassador role for the Delta Social Media Summit, which he described as an annual platform.

Explaining his decision, the governor’s aide said the backlash against the young employee had become excessive, stressing that she needed support rather than continued criticism.

“I know the internet can be harsh. Depression is real, and words cut deep,” Ossai said.

“She made a mistake, but we don’t need to torment her daily; she needs our support.”

Ossai also acknowledged Elumelu’s intervention, saying the incident had highlighted the importance of maintaining respect in professional settings.

He appealed to anyone who knows the employee to encourage her to contact him so she could benefit from the support package.

“Let’s turn this pain into purpose. She won’t be disappointed,” he said.

The controversy began after a video from the UBA Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony showed the young woman addressing Elumelu as “Tony” while asking a question.

Elumelu subsequently corrected her, saying he preferred to be addressed as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE.”

The woman immediately corrected herself and continued with her question.

The incident quickly spread across social media, generating mixed reactions. While some Nigerians supported Elumelu’s position on professional respect, others argued that the employee may have been influenced by the first-name culture common in some corporate environments.

The incident occurred during UBA’s celebration of 374 young professionals who completed its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, which the bank described as part of its effort to develop the next generation of leaders across its African markets.