The UBA graduate who went viral after addressing businessman Tony Elumelu by his first name during a bank induction programme has received a support package worth ₦500,000, a VIP trip and an ambassadorial opportunity.
The offer was announced by Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, in a Facebook post following the widespread reaction to the incident.
Ossai said he would give the young woman ₦500,000 in cash support and sponsor her attendance at the fourth edition of the Delta Social Media Summit scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba, Delta State.
The package, according to him, will also cover her transportation, accommodation and participation at the event.
It includes a flight ticket to Asaba, five-star hotel accommodation, a guided tour of developmental projects in Delta State and VIP access to the summit.
The young graduate was also offered an ambassadorial role for the Delta Social Media Summit.
Ossai said the intervention was aimed at supporting the graduate following the intense criticism she received after the video of her interaction with Elumelu went viral.
“I know the internet can be harsh. Depression is real and words cut deep,” he said.
While acknowledging that the graduate made a mistake by addressing Elumelu by his first name, the Delta State government aide appealed to Nigerians to stop further attacks against her.
“She made a mistake but we don’t need to torment her daily, she needs our support,” he said.
The controversy began during the induction of 5,000 newly recruited UBA staff, when the graduate took a microphone and addressed the bank’s chairman as “Tony.”
Elumelu corrected her and asked her to address him appropriately. She reportedly repeated the name when given another opportunity, prompting the businessman to explain his preference for respectful forms of address.
Following the incident, the video generated widespread discussion online about workplace etiquette, generational differences and how young employees should address senior executives.
Ossai also thanked Elumelu for correcting the graduate, saying the intervention could help reinforce the importance of respect in professional settings.
“Thank you Mr Tony Elumelu for pointing out the needed correction that will further strengthen respect in our society,” he said.
He further asked anyone who knows the graduate to encourage her to contact him, saying he wanted to provide her with an opportunity to share her side of the story.
“I will give her a good time and a platform to tell her story,” he added.
Ossai said his goal was to help turn the controversy into a positive experience for the young woman.
“Let’s turn this pain into purpose,” he said.
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