A viral UBA employee at the centre of an online backlash over how she addressed the bank’s chairman, Tony Elumelu, has received an offer of N500,000 and an ambassadorial role from the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Success.
Ossai announced the offer in a Facebook post on Saturday, saying he would also sponsor the woman’s trip to Asaba for the fourth edition of the Delta Social Media Summit on August 27.
The package, according to him, includes N500,000 cash support, return flight tickets, five-star hotel accommodation and a guided tour of developmental projects in Delta State.
He also offered her VIP access to the summit and a brand ambassador role for the annual event.
Ossai said he decided to support the woman because the criticism she had received following the viral incident had become excessive.
“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,” he said.
He also thanked Elumelu for drawing attention to what he described as the need to reinforce respect in society.
The controversy began after a video from the graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme showed the young employee addressing Elumelu as “Tony” while asking a question.
Elumelu corrected her, saying he preferred to be addressed as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE.”
The woman immediately apologised and continued her question using “Mr Elumelu.”
The video later went viral, triggering mixed reactions, with some Nigerians backing Elumelu’s position and others arguing that using first names is common in some corporate environments.
Ossai appealed to anyone who knows the woman to encourage her to contact him.
“If you’re reading this or anyone knows her, please ask her to DM me. I will give her a good time and a platform to tell her story. Let’s turn this pain into purpose. She won’t be disappointed,” he said.
