Delta Government Aide Offers ₦500,000, VIP Trip and Ambassadorial Role to Viral ‘UBA Girl’

The viral young woman at the centre of the recent social media controversy involving United Bank for Africa (UBA) Chairman, Tony Elumelu, has received an offer of financial support and an ambassadorial opportunity from the Senior Special Assistant on Social Media to the Delta State Government, Ossai Ovie Success.

The offer followed widespread reactions to a viral video showing the young woman, a participant in UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), addressing Elumelu as “Tony” during a graduation ceremony.

In the video, the young graduate began by saying, “Good morning, Tony,” prompting Elumelu to interrupt and correct her. He told her that she should address him as “Mr Elumelu,” “TOE,” or “Chairman,” rather than by his first name.

The incident quickly generated debate across social media, with Nigerians divided over corporate etiquette, respect for seniority and the first-name culture reportedly encouraged within some modern corporate environments.

A former UBA staff member has also claimed that participants in the GMAP programme were taught to address colleagues, including senior executives, by their first names. However, he noted that applying the practice when addressing Elumelu at a formal event created a cultural and situational clash.

Amid the controversy and concerns about the impact of the incident on the young woman's wellbeing, Ossai Ovie Success announced that he was offering her a ₦500,000 cash support package and an opportunity to become an ambassador for the Delta Social Media Summit.

According to Ossai, the package includes:

• ₦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 4th edition of the Delta Social Media Summit

• A brand ambassador role for the annual Delta Social Media Summit

The 4th edition of the Delta Social Media Summit is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Mariam Babangida Leisure Park, opposite Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State.

In announcing the offer, Ossai acknowledged the pressure that can accompany sudden internet fame and public criticism.

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

He appealed to the young woman or anyone who knows her to contact him, saying he wanted to provide her with a positive experience and give her an opportunity to tell her story.

“I will give her a good time and a platform to tell her story,” Ossai said.

He added: “Let’s turn this pain into purpose.”

The development comes as public discussion around the viral UBA incident continues, with some Nigerians criticising the young woman’s choice of words, while others have called for empathy and an understanding of the corporate training and cultural context surrounding the encounter.

For Ossai, however, the focus is now on transforming the controversy into an opportunity for encouragement, visibility and empowerment.

“She won’t be disappointed,” he said.