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Tag: Etisalat

  • Etisalat, FirstBank partner on mobile money

    Etisalat, FirstBank partner on mobile money

    Etisalat Nigeria and FirstBank have partnered to provide Firstmonie on the Etisalat Easywallet subscriber identity module (SIM) application solution.

    The partnership between the telco and leading banking institution will promote the use of Firstmonie on the mobile technology driven easywallet SIM application.

    Director, Business Segment at Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, said the partnership between Etisalat Nigeria and FirstBank will provide added value to all customers and stakeholders in the mobile money industry.

    “Etisalat Easywallet, is one of the most secure and convenient platforms for mobile money services. With the Easywallet, Etisalat subscribers can make financial transactions such as Peer-to-Peer transfers, Bills Payment and Airtime top-up, directly from their mobile device,” he said.

    He added that Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa collectively contribute a lot to the nation’s economy and this necessitates the need to support this segment of the economy by making financial transactions easier, safer, more efficient and innovative. He described Easywallet as one of Etisalat’s strategies of facilitating financial integration of the SMEs.

    Etisalat Easywallet is the first to partner with prominent Nigerian banks and independent Mobile Money Operators including FirstBank, GTBank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Zenith Bank and Pagatech. It is convenient and helps our corporate clients (SMEs) to also enjoy benefits of cost reduction, inventory management, streamlining intermediaries, ensuring price transparency and competitiveness, the telco said.

  • Etisalat rewards 70 students

    Etisalat rewards 70 students

    Etisalat Nigeria recently awarded 70 students studying from seven Southwest universities scholarships worth N100,000 each at the Etisalat Merit Award for 2014.

    The universities (University of Lagos [UNILAG], Obafemi Awolowo University [OAU], Ladoke Akintola University of Technology [LAUTECH], Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko [AAUA], University of Benin [UNIBEN], Lagos State University [LASU], and Olabisi Onabanjo University [OOU]) also got N100,000 each to maintain their facilities at the event held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

    The Manager, Corporate and Social Responsibility, Oyetola Oduyemi said the number brings to 1,200 students that have benefitted from the scholarship since its inception six years ago.

    She said: “The Etisalat merit award scheme is in its sixth year of implementation, and so, over the years we partnered with different universities, in total we have awarded scholarship to 1200 students, 200 every year and this year we partnered with 20 universities, and we have awarded 10 scholars per university, so it is about 200 every year.

    “The school is responsible for selecting these students because they are the ones that keep the academic records. We write to them and they say send us a list of the 10 best performing students in these selected areas:  Computer science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering and Business Administration.”

    At the event, the students had a chance to present innovative inventions they made.  This enabled them to win instant prizes.

    Okafor Emmanuel, a 400-Level, Electrical/Electronics Engineering student of UNIBEN came first and won a laptop. Thompson-Ajayi Stephen, of OAU won a Techno Phantom Tab as second prize, while Eigbe Eghonghon, a 300-Level Electrical Electronic Engineering student of UNILAG who came third won a Techno Phantom Mini Tab.

    First-placed Emmanuel, who also won the scholarship in 2013, urged students to work hard so they could excel.

    “I am surprised that I can do great things that can bring me to events like this. I will advise students to keep on studying. I have come across different kind of students, and most times, it is no news that students that are not so good academically will want to attach themselves to you. So for those students that feel they are not so good academically, they should still stick to it, they should stay with it, but at the same time they should discover the talent they have,” he said.

    Thanking Etisalat, he said “I will tell Etisalat to keep up the good work. It is motivating seeing a company doing this, because most companies n Nigeria, they seem to act like their interested in the academic life of students but really they are not. It is really good seeing that Etisalat has something like this,” Emmanuel said.

    Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Matthew Willsher said in his address that the importance of education is one of the reasons why Etisalat has decided to support education in Nigeria.

    “I congratulate all of you for winning this awards, I know they do make a difference and we all need support during our education, whether it is moral from families, whether it is financial support, and whether it’s a support from each other because education is not an individual thing; it is something that you do with other people and so, you all jointly engage in this program and winning this award,” he said.

     

  • FirstBank partners Etisalat on Firstmonie, Easywallet

    FirstBank partners Etisalat on Firstmonie, Easywallet

    First Bank and Etisalat, have reached agreement to drive the mobile payment systems and support the CBN cash-less policy.  The partnership which involves FirstBank’s Firstmonie Mobile Money and Etisalat easywallet, a SIM application solution, is expected to significantly impact the uptake of mobile money in Nigeria. It would also make mobile payments more accessible and secure.

    In a statement, FirstBank said the aim of the partnership is to promote the use of Firstmonie mobile money on the easywallet STK menu, adding that by doing so, there would be value added to all stakeholders in the mobile money segment including customers, Agents and merchants.

    FirstBank’s, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney,  said “Firstmonie has continued to show its commitment to upholding the financial inclusion drive by the Central Bank of Nigeria, adding that this is evident in its recent award of the Best Mobile Money Operator in Nigeria by the EFInA Financial Inclusion Awards.

    She said partnering with Etisalat to promote the use of the STK menu as the preferred Mobile Money channel, further demonstrates “our commitment to lead innovation in the development of secure mobile payment solutions.”

     

     

     

  • Shopping dash excites Etisalat’s customers

    Shopping dash excites Etisalat’s customers

    Etisalat Nigeria has honoured 10 of its Business Customers in Abuja with a special reward scheme tagged “the Etisalat December Shopping Dash.” The event held at the Shoprite, Apo, Abuja, was a special event dedicated to reward 10 lucky customers for their loyalty and commitment to the Etisalat Network.

    The 10 customers who got a chance to partake of the Abuja edition of the Etisalat December Shopping Dash were overjoyed about their prizes and expressly thanked Etisalat for the generosity and innovative prowess in ensuring that all its customers get the very best from the network.

    Excited corporate customer, Ibrahim Magaji of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC)  described his experience, thus: “I am very glad to participate in the Etisalat Shopping Dash and I am simply short of words at how generous Etisalat is. I can say boldly say that Etisalat Nigeria is a fantastic network that cares deeply about its customers.”

    Another lucky customer, Safiya Runsewe, said “the Shopping dash was both exciting and engaging. I haven’t had this much fun in a long time and it is all thanks to Etisalat Nigeria.”

    Its Director, Business Segment, Lucas Dada said: “Since inception, Etisalat has remained committed to providing its customers with the very best customer service in Nigeria. It is to this end that the December Shopping Dash was berthed. The 10 selected customers have a maximum of three minutes to select any item within the store that they desire, courtesy of Etisalat. Whatever they can carry, they can keep. It is our simple, yet innovative way of giving back to our customers and showing them that we truly care.

    “Etisalat has a lot more surprises in store next year and we urge all our esteemed customers to remain loyal because we will continue to deliver the very best to them.”

  • Etisalat slashes devices’ prices

    Etisalat Nigeria is poised to make this season a memorable one for its customers with a special offerthat would see top range devices sold at a massive 50 per cent discount at all Etisalat Experience Centres.

    According the Director, Consumer Segment, at Etisalat Nigeria, Wole Rawa, the discount offer is the network’s way of not just saying “thank you” to its numerous customers but also empowering them to do more and achieve more during and beyond the Yuletide.

    “At Etisalat, we believe that empowering our customers will yield benefits for them and the society; we are making this massive price slash this season in the spirit of giving and to say ‘Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!’ to our customers,” he said.

    Rawa disclosed that throughout the Yuletide, customers can walk into any Etisalat Experience Centre and pick up top-of-the-line Smartphones from leading brands such as Samsung, Nokia, Huawei and Tecno at very affordable prices.

     

     

  • Etisalat opens flagship customer experience centre

    Etisalat opens flagship customer experience centre

    ALMOST every Telecom consumer has one or more negative tales to recount.

    Only two Thursdays ago at the Etisalat new office at 31 Marina Road, Lagos, one of my colleagues with a newspaper was lamenting about what he was passing through in the hands of Airtel. He said that for over three months now, though he can receive calls, he has not been able to make calls on his Airtel line.

    If he tries to call others, he will not get through or even decipher what they are saying, but still money will be deducted from his Airtel account. Explaining, he said though he has complained to Airtel officials, rather than solve his problem, they are sending him to various Airtel offices.

    This is not limited to Airtel alone. Subscribers to GLO, MTN, Etisalat all have one or two agony stories to tell. All of us subscribers are all victims of unsolicited calls and messages from the telephone companies and third parties.

    Most Nigerian Telecom subscribers are under intense pressure. Some have gone as far as lodging complaints at the National Communication Commission (NCC), the federal government agency that has the sole mandate of regulating the services of the Telecom providers and also of protecting subscribers’ interests.

    We all believe that the NCC is not doing enough or wielding the big stick over the providers. All these, plus much more, is why I was mildly excited at the Etisalat Flagship Experience Centre office, listening to the managers on how the centre was opened with the sole aim of resolving customers’ complaints in a speedy way in a very relaxed environment.

    Taking me and my fellow colleagues on a media tour, Mr. Anthony Iloh, Head of Retail Operations and Strategy, Etisalat, said that the ultra modern centre is fully equipped with special services tailored to meet subscribers’ requirements and cater for any challenge their consumers may be faced with.

    “We have over 15 staff ready to attend to customers but also specially trained professionals called ‘Geeks’ on hand to resolve consumers’ queries.”

    Going round the experience centre, which is the only one the Telecom provider has in the country, Mr. Iloh pointed out the VIP lounge furnished with books and chairs and a massage chair for customers who wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Island.

    The centre boasts a free meeting room for loyal customers, an interactive display stand that allows customers a test of what they want to buy and games that can engage one while his complaints are resolved.

    Speaking further, the company’s Retail Head enthused that the centre also provides free limitless WI-FI for customers, adding that plans are in top gear for coffee and snacks bar.

    Further listing the strong strengths of the centre, the store manager, Mr. Oluwaseun Ayebiwo, took us round the spacious centre, including the Nokia and Samsung sections manned by professionals where wide assortment of Nokia and Samsung devices are displayed.

    At the customer interactive point, which is quite easy to use, customers can get any information about Etisalat and can even recharge phones while browsing through other services the company has to offer.

    In a separate chat with the store manager, he said that the GEM card which is the loyalty card qualifies a customer to all the free services including a bottle of drink when purchases are made “though any customer is free to walk in and have his/her complaints resolved.”

    How do you create and retain loyal customers as competition for them is fierce? “By building relationships and ensuring issues are resolved. I believe that the way I interact with you will determine if you will come back again. We see customer service as an opportunity to launch our product.”

    The centre being very close to a major bus stop, ‘CMS’ bus stop, ensures that there is steady number of people coming into the centre.

    Mr. Ganiyu Salami, an optician, walked in quite agitated. Thirty minutes later, I just about saw him making his way out. Accosting him, I introduced myself and asked what brought him to the centre. “I borrowed N500 from Etisalat last night and to my surprise in the morning I noticed am left with only N25 and I did not stay long with my system.”

    Smiling, he said that the staff in the centre had resolved the problem to his satisfaction.

    On how long he has been subscribing to Etisalat services, “I have been using it since they started, though they are charging me high on internet, the service is fast and reliable.”

    “They are spot on,” that’s how Engineer David Oni described Etisalat’s services, adding that “on a scale of 10, I will give them 9.”Regarding the centre, he said, “This place is amazing. People can come here and refresh and catch up on the news. Maybe there should be coffee and snacks bar to make it look more attractive.”

  • Etisalat supports Nigeria at ITU World

    Etisalat Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the growth of the ICT industry in the country. This was disclosed at the ITU World 2014 annual gathering held recently in Doha, capital city of Qatar where the firm said it said would be done through its support of the Ministry of Communication Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    The forum provided the platform for Nigerian delegates to join their counterparts from around the world to debate the future of the ICT industry and attract potential investors, a statement from the telco explained.

    Speaking during the official opening of the Nigerian pavilion sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria in partnership with other stakeholders, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko commended the Ministry and NCC for developing clear policies to guide the industry and promoting healthy competition among the operators.

    He said, “The remarkable growth of the Nigerian telecoms industry has been largely attributable to clear policy objectives from government and a fair regulatory environment that supports competition and level playing field. We reaffirm our commitment to support the Minister of Communication Technology and the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in their efforts to put the ICT industry in Nigeria on the world map.”

    Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, highlighted similarities between the theme of the ITU conference “Future in Focus” and the Nigerian government. She said, “The theme of ITU world 2014 aligns with the Nigerian government as we work to build a better and brighter future for our people. Nigeria has developed key policies and initiatives that have set the foundation for the widespread use of ICT by government and businesses.”

     

     

     

     

  • Etisalat takes stock, rates 2014 high

    Etisalat takes stock, rates 2014 high

    Etisalat has said this year has been good for its business in the country, promising to delight its customers with innovative products and good service quality in the coming years.

    Its Centre Manager, Marina Flagship Experience Centre, Oluwaseyi Ayebiwo, who spoke on the sideline with The Nation during the commissioning of the centre in Lagos said in six years of its operation, it has achieved the 20 million subscriber milestone, insisting that it is no mean feat considering that the telco came late and enjoyed no any form of incentive which the early birds did.

    He said: “For the year, we have not done badly as a company. Recently, towards the end of October, we hit the 20million subscriber base. That is in less than six years since we came onboard. For us, this is a great feat for any company and I don’t think any other company in the world has done that.  We have grown so fast at so short a time. We intend to maintain that feat.

    According to him, next year will be full of activities as the telco will not rest on its oars but keep redefining customer experience through innovative products.

    “Going into 2015, you are going to see a lot of innovative programme from the company. In terms of service quality, we will always strive to take it higher. We know that customers have to be served and they are the focus of our business. That is why we make customers an important part of our decision process. We organise customer forum from time to time, where customers tell us what the challenges are and what they would want to get from us in the nearest future. So the customers are dear to our heart,” he said.

    Speaking on the uniqueness of the centre, he said the ambiance and the way it is built is interactive with the customers, such that when customers comes in, all the equipment necessary to resolve all their issues and make sure they are happy are available.

    He said: “It starts from the interactive counters for devices, where customers can come in around the devices and they know from that which one they want to use.

    “Aside that, we have other dedicated counters for special customers services. We also have different original equipment manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia, Apple, Techno and others. .They have their stands here and they are all available to ensure that every customer’s complaints are sorted out. We have a VIP lounge where customers can come in with a fully equipped library for those who wish to read. You can come in, take some time out after passing through the stress our of the day and relax.”

  • Etisalat, Secret Cinemas plan open-air movies

    Etisalat, Secret Cinemas plan open-air movies

    LEVERAGING on its social responsibility objective, telecommunications company, Etisalat, is throwing its weight behind the creative and entertainment sector, by sponsoring an open-air cinema screening, organised by internationally acclaimed immersive film-experience company, Secret Cinema.

    The first round of movie screening is scheduled for December 19 to 21 at the purpose built Grand Gardens in Banana, featuring cult classics and all-time favourites, while the next screening sessions have been scheduled to take place in 2015, during Valentine and Easter celebrations.

    Etisalat’s Head, Events and Sponsorships, Modupe Thani said the company is not just about its core business of mobile telephony, “as we understand the importance of connecting people and developing relationships.”

    The idea of an open-air cinema in Lagos, according to Thani, “is creative and extraordinary and we believe it would increase the options for recreation available to residents of Lagos.”

  • Etisalat, other MNOs partner AU over Ebola

    Etisalat, other MNOs partner AU over Ebola

    Etisalat Nigeria and  other mobile network   operators(MNOs) across Africa are partnering the African Union (AU) Commission to support the fight against Ebola in West Africa.

    The initiative, operating under the hash tag ‘#AfricaAgainstEbola’ will combat the dreaded virus by using an SMS dedicated platform to raise funds for the deployment of African health workers to affected countries.

    At a Business Roundtable on Ebola hosted by the AU, Etisalat alongside other mobile operators committed themselves to support efforts to fight Ebola by unveiling an Africa-wide three –month campaign dubbed “AfricaAgainstEbola”.

    This initiative will focus on donations from members of the public who are customers of the operators and will be channelled into fighting the Ebola virus.

    The AU is leading this effort under its African Union Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) mission, which has so far deployed 90 health workers to the three affected countries.

     

     

     

     

    Commenting on the initiative, African Union Commission Chairperson, Her Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said: “We are conscious of the urgent need for all of us to do more, and to act fast. It is only by acting together will we ensure that our continent and world is free of Ebola. Let me repeat our call to all Africans to lead the global efforts of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea”.

    Speaking on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer at Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher said, “At Etisalat Nigeria, we uphold a belief in shared responsibility especially to the society where we operate. Etisalat’s partnership with other operators in the effort to “kick Ebola out of Africa’ reflects the way innovative technology can be used to improve lives. The ability to generate funds through SMS powered by all the operators will support the deployment of Health workers to the affected countries and will go a long way in getting rid of the deadly virus from the African continent”.

    The SMS fundraising campaign will use the short code 7979 with local adaptations where technology requires. Customers will be asked to text ‘Stop Ebola’ to this code in order to donate in their respective countries.

    Ebola has claimed over 5,000 lives across some parts of West Africa since it was first reported in Guinea in December 2013. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this is the largest outbreak on the continent, affecting mostly Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The campaign will run until the end of February next year.