Elumelu Corrects Trainee for Using First Name, Sparking Debate

A video of United Bank for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu correcting a graduate trainee for addressing him by his first name has sparked a widespread debate in Nigeria about workplace etiquette, cultural respect, and the use of first names in corporate settings. The incident occurred during a graduation ceremony for the bank's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

In the viral video, a female trainee begins a question by saying, "Good morning, Tony." Elumelu initially appears to mishear, asking, "Toyin? Toyin?" When she repeats, "Good morning, Tony," he responds firmly, "No, you won't call me Tony. 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 then corrected herself, addressing him as Mr. Elumelu before proceeding with her question.

The exchange has prompted a national conversation about the boundaries of first-name policies in Nigerian workplaces. Opinions are divided on whether such policies should apply universally or if deference should be shown to senior executives based on age, rank, and the formality of the setting.