Ex-UBA Banker Advises Lady in Viral Tony Elumelu Incident to Apologise Quickly

• Innocent Istifanus Moses, a former UBA staff member, publicly weighed in on the viral moment involving billionaire Tony Elumelu and a young female graduate
• Moses warned the graduate against recording a defensive video in response to the widespread attention the incident has attracted
• Social media users shared divided opinions on whether the lady was truly at fault, with some citing first-name culture in Nigerian banking

A former United Bank for Africa (UBA) employee has offered pointed advice to the young female graduate at the centre of a viral exchange with billionaire banker Tony Elumelu, urging her to choose humility over a public defence.

The incident occurred in Lagos at the graduation ceremony for UBA's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), where Elumelu stepped in to correct a young woman who addressed him simply as "Tony" during an open interactive session.

The outgoing UBA chairman, whose retirement from the role takes effect on 21 August, told her plainly that he goes by "Mr Elumelu," "TOE," or "Chairman," and that casual, Western-style first-name familiarity was not something he welcomed.

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The Facebook post below contains details of the viral Tony saga, which has attracted massive attention online.

Ex-UBA banker advises lady in Tony saga

Innocent Istifanus Moses, known on Facebook as I I Moses, shared his thoughts on 20 August 2026, and he was unambiguous.

His biggest concern was that the young woman might respond by filming herself to justify her actions.

"I hope she does not set up a ring light and camera and start defending herself," he wrote.

Moses stressed that she had not made an irredeemable error and would not lose her job over the moment, but that how she chose to handle the spotlight could define her trajectory.

In his view, the attention she has received is an opportunity rather than a setback.

He urged her to release a brief, sincere apology video acknowledging the slip, noting that many people in her position would have acted the same way without ever being filmed.

Moses also pointed to Elumelu's strong social media presence as a reason to act wisely.

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"TOE is a social media person; if she acts well, tomorrow you might see her in his house sipping tea," he wrote, framing a well-judged response as something that could benefit both the graduate's profile and the UBA brand.

The Facebook post below contains the ex-UBA banker’s advice to the lady at the centre of the viral Tony Elumelu saga.

Nigerians react to the viral Tony saga

The incident drew a wide range of responses online, with opinions split between those who felt the lady should have known better and those who argued that first-name culture is actively encouraged within Nigerian banking.

Chioma Mboyi said:

"Sometimes one humble apology can turn public shame into a brand new opportunity, and I hope she chooses wisdom over pride while the world is still watching. Again, she wan trend which she have achieved."

Mel John Dogara said:

"Mistake → briefly acknowledge → correct it → move on confidently. But she repeated it for the second time."

Iyore Osarobo Ogie said:

"It's unfair to just bash her without understanding her situation. The event was UBA training school graduation. Corporate places like this operate on a first-name basis, and it's ingrained in you from day 1. I don't blame her; during my graduate training, my MD corrected a lady who called him sir. He said in the financial sector you call everyone by their first name."

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Tim Focus said:

"When they attend too many masterclasses. Aspire to inspire, then misfire and retire 😁."

Sharon Peter said:

"Someone said it is a policy in banks to call your colleagues by their names, regardless of whether they are your superiors."

Germany sets minimum bank balance for foreigners

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Germany released updated visa requirements for international students, specifying the exact financial threshold applicants must meet to be granted entry for higher education purposes.

According to the official visa application documentation, foreign nationals pursuing studies at German universities must demonstrate that they can financially sustain themselves for the full duration of their intended stay.

The current monthly maintenance figure stands at €1,091 ($1,262.81), equivalent to GH₵13,910.25 in Ghana, effective as of 2026.

Source: YEN.com.gh