Following the controversy surrounding Tony Elumelu’s interaction with a UBA staff member, a media aide to the Delta State Governor has offered the employee N500,000 and an ambassadorial opportunity.

The offer was made by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Success, who expressed support for the UBA staff member amid the public reaction to the incident.

The development followed a viral video in which the staff member addressed Elumelu by his first name during an interaction.

Elumelu had reportedly corrected the staff member, telling her to address him as “TOE” or “Mr Elumelu” rather than simply calling him Tony.

The incident generated widespread reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing different opinions over workplace etiquette, respect and the use of first names in professional settings.

Ossai said he was impressed by the staff member’s conduct and offered her N500,000 as a gesture of encouragement.

He also offered to make her an ambassador for his initiative, saying the opportunity would allow her to benefit from greater public exposure.

The Delta governor’s aide said the offer was intended to encourage the young woman and recognise her despite the criticism she had received following the viral incident.

The development comes amid continued debate over whether employees should address senior executives and prominent personalities by their first names in professional environments.

The incident has also generated discussions about workplace culture, hierarchy and the balance between professionalism and informality.

The UBA staff member has attracted support from some Nigerians, while others have defended Elumelu’s position on how he should be addressed.

The latest offer adds another dimension to the controversy as reactions to the viral encounter continue.