Nollywood actress Lizzy Jay has publicly criticized a female graduate trainee who addressed billionaire Tony Elumelu by his first name during a public event, questioning her audacity and using the moment to praise colleague Toyin Abraham as a symbol of respect and culture.
The video of the incident had already generated widespread debate on social media, with viewers divided over whether the young woman's approach was bold or disrespectful. Lizzy Jay, known for her candid opinions, added her voice to the conversation in a video posted on her Instagram page on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Lizzy Jay Questions Trainee's Audacity
In her Instagram video, Lizzy Jay did not mince words, asking the trainee directly, "Where did you get the audacity from?" She expressed genuine bafflement at the young woman's confidence in addressing the UBA chairman by his first name in such a public setting.
Lizzy Jay went further to use the moment as an opportunity to celebrate her colleague Toyin Abraham, whom she described as the gold standard of respect and cultural values in Nigeria. According to her, Abraham has spent years modelling proper behaviour in public and teaching others to do the same.
She insisted that if it were Abraham in that situation, the actress would have somersaulted right there on the spot, just to show adequate reverence to the billionaire. Lizzy also disclosed her own approach, saying she would have greeted Elumelu with "Good morning, daddy."
Lizzy Jay Reveals Her Own Greeting Style
Lizzy Jay explained that she has never had any difficulty calling wealthy and influential people "daddy," treating it as a natural expression of honour rather than something to overthink. Her comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate about respect and cultural norms in Nigeria.
The actress's remarks come amid widespread social media reactions to the original clip, with many users supporting her stance while others defended the trainee's boldness. The incident has sparked conversations about generational differences in addressing elders and authority figures.
Social Media Reactions and Context
Social media users had a lot to say in response to both the original clip and Lizzy Jay's take on it. @obaksolo wrote: "Trust Gen Z nobody big for them to drag." @ladysparkles_omoologo commented: "Her audacity na from Temu ooo she for kuku say good morning babe."
@bukola4075 said: "I trust my woman @toyin_abraham president Awa Egbe alobosi kneeling na water from her side No cap." @officialtaiwoadeyemi shared: "As I hear 'good morning Tony', I first switch off my phone. I think say na my phone dey glitch. I come on am back, hear am again!"
@official_jayvee91 reacted: "You see the girl eeh it shows the home training she's got. We have a culture and we are so big on Respect." @_titilolo added: "All these people shouting banking, me sef worked in the bank and I didn't disrespect my bosses. I ensured I used Mr / Mrs before calling their names. Simply apply sense when needed."
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian investor Tony Elumelu made an estimated return of over N680bn in just five months. This massive profit came solely from acquiring a controlling stake in Seplat Energy Plc through his company, Heirs Energies Limited. The firm initially bought the shares from the French company Maurel & Prom for $496 million before the price surged remarkably.
