ON
← Back to feed
Celebrated UBA graduate trainee speaks about handshake with Elumelu
NG🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressiveyesterday

Celebrated UBA graduate trainee speaks about handshake with Elumelu

Deborah Moses, a graduate trainee at United Bank for Africa (UBA), shared insights with the bank's chairman, Tony Elumelu, during a Q&A session at UBA's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP). She highlighted recurring customer frustrations related to unclear documentation requirements for resolving banking issues. Customers often return multiple times due to these challenges, leading to dissatisfaction. Moses proposed introducing a 'UBA journey guide' during onboarding, providing clear instructions on necessary documents for various banking tasks. The guide would be available digitally and in print to cater to diverse customer preferences. She also suggested establishing a dedicated department to monitor customer feedback in real-time across branches.

A senior aide to the governor of Delta State in Nigeria has proposed a financial incentive and a high-profile role to a UBA employee who gained national attention after addressing the bank's chairman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name during a recent event. According to reports, Ossai Success, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, offered the young UBA worker N500,000 in cash, along with an ambassadorial position at the upcoming Delta Social Media Summit. The offer includes a complimentary VIP trip to Asaba, where the summit will be held on August 27, 2026, as well as hotel accommodation and guided tours of developmental projects in Delta State. Ossai made the announcement via a Facebook post on Saturday, expressing concern over the backlash the woman faced online. He stated that the internet can be harsh and that the woman deserved support rather than continued criticism. He emphasized that while she made a mistake, it did not warrant ongoing harassment. Ossai also praised Elumelu for highlighting the need for greater societal respect, stating that the chairman's comments were aimed at strengthening dignity in public discourse. The incident occurred during the UBA Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony, where the young woman addressed Elumelu as "Tony." The moment was recorded and quickly circulated online, sparking debate among Nigerians. Some supported Elumelu's stance, arguing that using a person's first name in formal settings lacks respect, while others contended that such practices are common in certain corporate environments. Elumelu responded to the incident by clarifying his preference for being called "Mr Elumelu" or "TOE," rejecting the informal address. However, he did not appear overly upset, allowing the woman to correct herself and continue with her question. Despite this, the video sparked widespread discussion, with many questioning whether the response was proportionate to the situation. Ossai's proposal aims to provide the UBA employee with a platform to share her perspective and gain recognition for her contributions. He urged anyone who knew the woman to reach out to him so she could accept the offer. The Delta Social Media Summit, which will feature discussions on digital trends and youth engagement, is expected to draw prominent figures from various sectors. The UBA event celebrated 374 graduates of its management program, marking a significant milestone in the bank's efforts to cultivate future leaders across Africa. The incident involving the young employee has since become a focal point in conversations around workplace etiquette and public behavior. Tony Elumelu, known for his extensive contributions to Nigerian business and philanthropy, has long advocated for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. His tenure as UBA chairman saw the bank expand significantly, becoming one of Africa's leading financial institutions. Now stepping down from his role, Elumelu is set to take on a new challenge as chairman of Seplat Energy in early 2027, continuing his legacy of fostering growth and opportunity. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on how the UBA employee will respond to the offer and whether it will lead to broader discussions on respect and decorum in professional settings. Meanwhile, the Delta State government continues to highlight its initiatives in promoting social media platforms as tools for development and engagement.

Go to the primary sources (2)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

3 reports

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 65yesterday
What Warren Buffett and Tony Elumelu’s legendary lives tell us, By Adeola Akinremi

The article compares the legacies of Warren Buffett and Tony Elumelu, focusing on their dedication to strengthening institutions and fostering opportunity. Buffett, through his philanthropy, has donated over $200 billion to various foundations aimed at improving education, healthcare, and community development worldwide. Similarly, Elumelu has invested in African entrepreneurs to drive economic growth, particularly in Nigeria. Both figures emphasize leaving behind sustainable systems rather than personal wealth. Elumelu recently stepped down as chairman of UBA, highlighting a shift toward institutional stability over individual influence.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses influential individuals and their societal impacts, it does not take a clear ideological stance. It presents both Buffett and Elumelu as exemplars of philanthropy and leadership without overtly favoring one ideology over another. The framing remains balanced, focusing on績

Why factuality (70): This article focuses on comparing Warren Buffett and Tony Elumelu, discussing their approaches to leadership and philanthropy. It does not reference Adeola Akinremi or the plagiarism scandal. Thus, it is unrelated to the primary source document and cannot be evaluated for factual accuracy related to

Why objectivity (65): The article presents a comparative analysis of two individuals with a respectful and informative tone. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though it leans slightly toward admiration of both Buffett and Elumelu.

The Punch logoThe PunchIndependentProgressiveFactual 55Objective 60yesterday
After Elumelu’s rebuke, Delta gov aide offers UBA staff member N500,000, ambassadorial deal

A senior media advisor to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Success, has offered financial support and an ambassadorial role to a young UBA employee who faced backlash for addressing bank chairman Tony Elumelu by his first name, 'Tony.' Ossai made the offer via a Facebook post, promising N500,000 cash, VIP access to a state summit, hotel accommodation, and a guided tour of development projects. He defended the woman, stating the online backlash was excessive and urged supporters to reach out to her. The incident began when the woman, during a UBA graduation event, referred to Elumelu informally, prompting him to correct her address. While some supported Elumelu's stance on formal address, others criticized the reaction as overly harsh.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the governor's aide as acting in defense of the employee, emphasizing the need for compassion over public shaming. It highlights the backlash against the woman and portrays the governor's office as supportive, contrasting with the perceived strictness of Elumelu's response. The ph

Why factuality (55): This article discusses a different event entirely, the offering of financial support and an ambassadorial role to a UBA employee who addressed Tony Elumelu by his first name. It does not mention Adeola Akinremi or the plagiarism scandal involving Muhammadu Buhari. Therefore, it is unrelated to the p

Why objectivity (60): The tone is supportive and empathetic toward the UBA employee, expressing concern about online backlash. However, there is no clear bias or emotional manipulation, and the focus remains on the situation rather than promoting any particular viewpoint.

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenteryesterday
Celebrated UBA graduate trainee speaks about handshake with Elumelu

Deborah Moses, a graduate trainee at United Bank for Africa (UBA), shared insights with the bank's chairman, Tony Elumelu, during a Q&A session at UBA's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP). She highlighted recurring customer frustrations related to unclear documentation requirements for resolving banking issues. Customers often return multiple times due to these challenges, leading to dissatisfaction. Moses proposed introducing a 'UBA journey guide' during onboarding, providing clear instructions on necessary documents for various banking tasks. The guide would be available digitally and in print to cater to diverse customer preferences. She also suggested establishing a dedicated department to monitor customer feedback in real-time across branches.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Deborah Moses's professional suggestions to improve customer service at UBA. It focuses on operational improvements rather than partisan viewpoints. While the subject involves corporate leadership and policy changes within a major Nigerian bank, there is no

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories