A video circulating on social media has ignited a significant debate following a conversation between a young woman and UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, during a graduation ceremony for the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme. The video, captured during the event and widely shared, showcases the woman correcting Elumelu’s initial address, clarifying that she preferred to be addressed as ‘Mr Elumelu’ or ‘TOE.’
Tony Elumelu, a prominent Nigerian billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist, is known for his significant influence on the Nigerian economy and global business landscape. He is a figure frequently lauded for his philanthropic endeavors and his role in supporting education and entrepreneurship. In the viral video, the woman, who has been identified as a student, engaged in a verbal exchange with Elumelu, initially addressing him with his first name.
The exchange, which has become a viral sensation on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has prompted a range of reactions, with some applauding Elumelu’s directness and perceived refusal to adhere to traditional corporate norms where employees are sometimes addressed by their first names. Conversely, a significant portion of the online community expressed concern that the young graduate may have been following a modern corporate culture emphasizing familiarity before using someone’s first name, a practice increasingly prevalent in many Western business environments.
Social media users, particularly on X (#ibnjaafar1205), have expressed skepticism about Elumelu’s response, suggesting that the issue was more about social awareness and a challenge to established conventions. One user, @Wakaholic_nurse, stated that the woman’s correction was less about Elumelu’s wealth and more about raising a point about basic social intelligence. The woman, in response, clarified that she had corrected herself, saying, ‘Good morning, Mr Elumelu,’ before proceeding with her question.
Another user, @Ms_ronkeh, criticized the woman’s choice of words, arguing that even in Western corporate settings, familiarity was typically established before using someone’s first name. She wrote, ‘Even in the so-called ‘Western world’, your formality should still be by title ‘Mr, Mrs/Miss’. Tony? Na you born am?’
The controversy has also touched upon the broader context of corporate governance and employee communication. A user, @WildCoderr, suggested that the woman’s response may have been a deliberate act of challenging established norms, while another, @iamkadirii, noted that some senior executives had previously asked employees to address them by their names rather than titles. The UBA Group, recognizing the graduates’ achievement, celebrated the program, stating it had trained more than 5,000 young professionals and emphasized the importance of preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.
As of today, the video has garnered significant attention, with many viewers analyzing the exchange’s implications for corporate culture and leadership styles. The UBA Group has also shared a promotional video highlighting the program’s success and the graduates’ preparedness for their careers.
To view the original video, you can visit [https://x.com/wakaholicnurse](https://x.com/wakaholicnurse).
This incident underscores a growing conversation about social responsibility and the importance of respectful communication in professional settings, particularly within the context of younger generations and evolving workplace dynamics. The video also highlights the UBA Group’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders. The video is part of a broader series of updates regarding the Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, which has been praised for its impact on the Nigerian economy and its contribution to developing skilled professionals.
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
