The young UBA graduate who became the subject of online discussion after addressing businessman Tony Elumelu by his first name has received a fresh offer of support following the viral incident.
The offer, announced by Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, includes ₦500,000 cash support, a VIP trip to Asaba and an ambassadorial role at the Delta Social Media Summit.
Ossai made the offer in a Facebook post while appealing to Nigerians to stop further criticism of the young woman over the incident.
According to him, the package is intended to help her turn the experience into a positive opportunity.
What Happened Between the Graduate and Elumelu?
The controversy began after a video from a UBA Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP) graduation ceremony circulated widely on social media.
In the footage, the young graduate was given an opportunity to speak and began by greeting Elumelu with the words, “Good morning, Tony.”
Elumelu stopped her and asked that she address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE.”
He also explained that he did not subscribe to what he described as the “Oyinbo life” of addressing people casually by their first names.
The young woman accepted the correction before continuing with her interaction.
The short exchange quickly spread online and triggered a wider discussion about respect, workplace etiquette, age, hierarchy and corporate culture in Nigeria.
While some Nigerians supported Elumelu’s decision to correct the graduate, others felt the incident was blown out of proportion. Some argued that addressing senior colleagues by their first names is common in modern corporate environments, particularly in international organisations.
₦500,000 and VIP Package Offered
Amid the debate, Ossai announced that he would support the graduate with ₦500,000 and provide her with a VIP experience at the fourth edition of the Delta Social Media Summit.
The event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park, opposite Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba, Delta State.
According to Ossai, the package will include:
₦500,000 cash support
Flight tickets to Asaba
Five-star hotel accommodation
A guided tour of developmental projects in Delta State
VIP access to the social media summit
An ambassadorial role for the Delta Social Media Summit
He also offered the graduate an opportunity to publicly share her experience and tell her own side of the story.
‘The Internet Can Be Harsh’
Ossai acknowledged that the young woman had made a mistake but urged Nigerians to stop subjecting her to further criticism.
“I know the internet can be harsh. Depression is real and words cut deep.”
He added:
“She made a mistake but we don’t need to torment her daily, she needs our support.”
The government aide also thanked Elumelu for correcting the graduate, saying the intervention could reinforce the importance of respect in society.
“Thank you Mr Tony Elumelu for pointing out the needed correction that will further strengthen respect in our society.”
‘Let’s Turn This Pain Into Purpose’
Ossai said his intention was not to encourage the graduate to dwell on the controversy but to help her turn the unexpected attention into something positive.
He appealed to anyone who knows the young woman to encourage her to contact him.
“If you’re reading this or anyone knows her, please ask her to DM me.”
He further promised to provide her with a platform to share her experience.
“I will give her a good time and a platform to tell her story.”
Ossai concluded his message with an appeal for the experience to become a stepping stone rather than a source of lasting embarrassment.
He added that she would not be disappointed.
From Viral Moment to New Opportunity
The development has given the viral controversy a new dimension, with the incident now attracting not only criticism and debate but also offers of support.
What started as a brief exchange at a corporate event has consequently become a wider conversation about professional etiquette, how young employees interact with senior executives and the consequences of viral social media moments.
For the graduate, the latest offer could provide an opportunity to move beyond the controversy and use the unexpected public attention to build new connections and experiences.
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