Tony Elumelu Calls UBA Trainee Who Addressed Him As "Tony", Advises Her Privately.
Lagos, Nigeria – August 2026
Hours after a video of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, CFR correcting a graduate trainee went viral, sources say the billionaire businessman personally called the young lady to advise her privately.
The incident happened during the graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP) held in Lagos on Thursday. 720 trainees attended the event, with 300 of them converted from contract staff to full-time employment.
What Happened At The Event.
In the viral clip, a female trainee stood to ask a question and began with:
“Good morning, Tony.”
Elumelu, who was on stage, first thought she said “Toyin.” When she clarified, he responded:
> “Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. I’m not… you’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?”
The trainee immediately corrected herself to “Good morning, Mr Elumelu” and continued with her question.
Tony Elumelu’s Private Call.
According to multiple reports, after seeing the reactions online, Elumelu reached out to the trainee directly.
During the call, he reportedly commended her courage for speaking up at the event and for representing her cohort. He then advised her on corporate communication, respect for structure, and how to carry herself as a future leader in the banking industry.
Sources close to UBA said the conversation was not to reprimand her, but to mentor her. Elumelu emphasized that titles matter in formal Nigerian settings, but also encouraged her to keep asking questions and growing in her career.
The move has been praised by many as an example of leadership — correcting in public, but also mentoring in private.
📞 Contact BMC Brands Ltd
📍 Address:
6, Kelani Lane, Ojuelegba Yaba Road, Lagos
We’re available Mon - Sat | 8am - 6pm
Specialists in: General Branding Merchandise
Public Reaction Continues
The debate has continued online. Some Nigerians supported Elumelu, saying respect and hierarchy are key in African workplaces. Others argued that first-name culture promotes openness and innovation.
An old video of a Stanford MBA student calling him “Tony” also resurfaced, where he did not correct her, leading to more discussion about context and setting.
About GMAP
Elumelu announced that UBA has trained over 5,000 young professionals since 2022 through GMAP. He said the bank remains committed to creating jobs and building the next generation of African leaders.
MY VIEW
This is how leadership should look.
Tony Elumelu did 2 important things: He set a boundary publicly because structure matters in a corporate setting, especially in Nigeria where respect for hierarchy is still valued. Then he followed up privately to mentor, not to shame.
KELEBABA COMPUTERS
Dealers on Laptops and Computers Accessories
📍 HEAD OFFICE
F561, Alaba Int’l Market,
Ojo Lagos Nigeria.
📞 CALL US NOW
💻 Laptops | 🖨️ Accessories | 🔧 Computer Sales & Repairs
Calling her “Tony” at a formal GMAP graduation was likely nerves, not disrespect. But his response — “call me Mr Elumelu or TOE” — was clear and firm without humiliating her.
The private call is the bigger lesson for me. Leaders correct, but they also coach. If we want 5,000+ young Nigerians to grow through programs like GMAP, they need both discipline and mentorship.
For young professionals: Know your environment. In Lagos boardrooms, “Sir/Ma/Mr/Mrs” still goes a long way. But don’t let fear stop you from asking questions.
SOURCES:
Tribune Online
Comments
Post a Comment