By Zik Gbemre
1. REWARDING DISRESPECT SETS A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT.
Addressing an elder and distinguished industrialist like Mr. Tony Elumelu by his first name during an official corporate event was a clear breach of African respect and corporate protocol.
Rewarding that mistake with:
• ₦500,000 cash
• A VIP flight ticket and 5-star hotel stay in Asaba
• An ambassadorial role at the Delta Social Media Summit
This sends the wrong message to the youth. It makes it look like disrespecting elders and successful business leaders is a quick shortcut to fame and financial rewards.
2. WOULD YOU CALL YOUR OWN FATHER BY HIS FIRST NAME?
Our values as Deltans and Africans teach us to honor our elders and achievers.
• Can Ossai Ovie Success address his own biological father by his first name?
• If not, why encourage a young trainee to feel comfortable or celebrated after publicly addressing Mr. Tony Elumelu a global economic ambassador, Chairman of Heirs Holdings/Transcorp, and an illustrious son of Delta State as just “Tony”?
3. EMBARRASSING THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR SHERIFF OBOREVWORI.
As a political aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, every public action and publication by Ossai Ovie Success directly reflects on the administration.
• Distributing cash gifts and luxury rewards over a viral act of disrespect embarrasses the Governor’s office.
• It creates an unnecessary friction between the Delta State Government apparatus and top private-sector investors like Mr. Elumelu, who contribute immensely to national and state development.
4. PUBLIC CORRECTION IS NOT BULLYING.
While anti-cyberbullying is important, shielding young people from basic corrections weakens discipline. Mr. Elumelu handled the moment with mature corporate guidance. Turning a simple correction into a lucrative media circus damages our values.
CALL TO ACTION:
Ossai Ovie Success must withdraw this controversial offer immediately, tender an unreserved apology to Mr. Tony Elumelu, and stop bringing avoidable embarrassment to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
Zik Gbemre
August 24, 2026
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