The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MTN

  • NTIC student, Miracle Ezechukwu, breaks MTN CHAMPS Record

    NTIC student, Miracle Ezechukwu, breaks MTN CHAMPS Record

    …to represent Nigeria at U-20 World Championships in Peru

    Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu, of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Abuja, has made an explosive return in Season 2 of the School Athletics Championships.

    The sprinter raced to a stunning Personal Best (PB) of 11.75secs (+0.4) to win her U-20 semifinal heat whilst competing on Day 2 of MTN CHAMPS Jos at the New Jos Stadium, improving by almost two-tenths of seconds, the PB (11.91secs) that she ran during the heats of the competition.

    Ezechukwu who moved up from the Youth category into the junior class, broke the MTN CHAMPS outright 100m Record of 11.82secs.

    She went on to win GOLD in 11.81secs as her teammate, Chigozie Nwankwo, who broke 12 secs for the first time in her career during the semis (11.95secs), settled for Silver in 12.02secs. Ojone Akubo-Adegbe was 3rd in 12.38secs.

    Divinefavour Okisamen (10.79secs) of Real Winners, Sasere Taiwo (10.93secs) and Enoch Dabo (10.94secs) of Speed of Light were the Top 3 finishers in the Junior Boys’ 100m.

    Read Also: MTN Nigeria account returns to SO&U

    Adaeze Eze, also of Nigerian Tulip, and Mercy Ogbonna of G.S.S Township, were the standout athletes in the Youth Girls 100m category, both running new Personal Bests (PB) to win their respective heats.

    Eze ran a PB of 12.36secs, the fastest time overall to win Heat 6, while Ogbonna ran under 13secs for the first time, winning Heat 5 in a PB of 12.73secs. The latter improved on her time to win Silver in 12.67secs behind Eze who set another PB of 12.34secs in the semis, while Mwuese Zoko of Foundation Science settled for Bronze with 13.02secs.

    Kenneth Onyeji of FGC Jos was the boy to beat in the Youth category where he clocked 11.73secs for GOLD. Henry Chukwudi and Manasseh Matthew followed in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

  • 2,600 athletes for MTN season 2 Champs in Ibadan

    2,600 athletes for MTN season 2 Champs in Ibadan

    No fewer than 2,600 athletes are expected in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital at the season 2 of MTN Champs, Nigeria’s premier Schools’ Athletics Championships after successful kickoff in Asaba.

    The event is an in initiative and dynamic platform by MTN Nigeria that nurtures competitive spirit of young athletes across four distinct age categories: Cadet (U14), Youth (U17), Junior (U20), and the newly introduced Senior (no age limit).

    Speaking in Ibadan at a press conference, the General Manager, Segment and Devices, MTN, Idowu Adesokan said the initiative was borne out of needs to meet dreams and aspirations of young Nigerians who intend to marry athletes with their education.

    He noted that MTN is set to invest on young Nigerians so that they can discovered their talents and make use of it.

    Read Also: Oyo lawmaker distributes generators, grinding machines to constituents

    In his remark, the Founder, Making of Champions, Bambo Akani lauded the state government for it’s effort towards uplifting sport activities in the state.

    He stated that with the sport event, Nigeria has begin to wake up as a sporting nation, adding that the event would assist the nation to discovered it’s talent being one of the top three athletic nations in Africa.

    He described the event as a nation building and life changing exercise for kids, saying one of the aim of the event was to support Nigeria core values and making future of the nation in Olympic brighter.

    Oyo Commissioner for Youth and Sport Wasilat Adegoke commended commitment of MTN for the social economy and emancipation of youths across Nigeria.

    She however urged well meaning Nigerians and private organisations to leverage on the ease of doing business in the state created by governor Seyi Makinde and partner with the state government.

    She however thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for his love for sport and economic emancipation across the state.

    The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state, Prof. Salihu Adelabu said the state government don’t joke with extral curricular, particularly sports in schools across the state.

    He noted that sport remained one of veritable tools that brings development, unity and love to the society.

  • Commission files criminal charges against MTN, others

    Commission files criminal charges against MTN, others

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Limited and four others over alleged copyright infringement.

    The charge with Number FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024 filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Division was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

    The four other defendants in the case are Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria,  Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Limited and Yahaya Maibe.

    In the three-count charge, NCC alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017 “offered for sale, sold and traded for business’’, infringed musical works of an artist, Maleke Idowu Moye without his consent and authorisation.

    The Commission alleged that the defendants used musical works and sound recordings of Maleke with subsisting copyright, as Caller Ring Back Tunes, without the authorisation of the artiste.

    The musical works and sound recordings of the musician allegedly infringed upon included; 911, Minimini-wanawana, Stop racism, Ewole, 911 instrumental, Radio, Low waist, and No bother.

    Read Also: FEC approves fund to bridge $878bn national infrastructure deficit

    The defendants were also alleged to have distributed the musical works to their subscribers, without authorisation, thereby, infringing on the rights of the artiste.

    In the third count, the defendant were alleged to have in their possession, other than for their private or domestic use, the musical works and sound recordings of the artiste.

    According to NCC, the alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    The case is yet to be assigned to any judge and no date has been fixed for mention.

  • Subsea cable cuts: Services successfully restored – MTN

    Subsea cable cuts: Services successfully restored – MTN

    Following subsea cable disruptions last Thursday, Bayobab Group, a subsidiary of MTN Group, has announced the successful restoration of its operations.

    The telecom operator disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

    MTN said that despite the challenges presented by the cable disruptions, its subsidiary demonstrated its capabilities by swiftly recovering over 3 Terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity across its footprint.

    The statement reads: “As of March 19, 2024, Bayobab Group, a subsidiary of MTN Group, has successfully restored its operations, recovering over 3 Terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity across our footprint.

    “Although the recent subsea cable disruptions on 14 March 2024 presented challenges, we have demonstrated our capabilities to maintain a resilient network and efficiently reroute traffic.

    “Throughout this challenging period, we prioritised the restoration of services by swiftly activating new cables to increase inter-connectivity and establish alternative routes, thereby bolstering our network resilience.

    Read Also: It’s our collective interest to make Tinubu succeed, says Gov. Adeleke

    “This approach solidifies our commitment to prioritising network reliability and our dedication to connecting Africa and our customers as quickly as possible, marking the final stretch toward connecting all our valued customers.

    “Bayobab’s ecosystem facilitates secure and scalable global traffic within Africa and the rest of the world serving 19 MTN markets, third-party Mobile Network Operators, Technology corporations and other Telecoms Service Providers.”

    On Thursday, cuts to the undersea cable supplying broadband Internet connectivity to Nigeria and countries in the West African sub-region forced many banks, financial institutions, telecom companies, and allied firms to scale down their operations.

  • MTN, NiMet partner on weather info

    MTN, NiMet partner on weather info

    MTN said it will partner the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in disseminating weather and climate information to farmers and other users across Nigeria.

    Read Also: Court lifts order barring MTN from building base stations

    The partnership is coming on the heels of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last month between NiMet and Tomorrow.io, a leading weather intelligence company based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, with footprints across Africa and the Middle East. The two organisations are collaborating on a whole range of areas including commercialising weather data, improving accuracy of weather and climate forecasts, and application of artificial intelligence (Ai) in weather and climate intelligence.

  • Court lifts order barring MTN from building base stations

    Court lifts order barring MTN from building base stations

    Federal High Court in Lagos has vacated its order restraining MTN Nigeria Communications and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure from building base transceiver stations.

    Justice Yellim Bogoro set aside the order which the court granted for Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre on November 21.

    HEDA, in suit FHC/L/CS/2359/2023, listed Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, MTN, ATC and others as defendants.

    The plaintiff filed an ex-parte application averring ATC proposed to build 2,500 base stations but that the stations were in proximity to those belonging to IHS Towers Nigeria.

    It obtained an interim order barring the defendants from proceeding with the stations.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges Senate to confirm Adamu Galunje as CCB chairman

    MTN, through its lawyers, Kenna Partners, led by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), applied to set aside the order.

    Ajogwu argued the order ought not to have been granted as there was no imminent wrong given by HEDA.

    He contended that HEDA concealed facts which would have aided the court in coming to a different decision.

    ATC through its lawyer, Nicholas Okafor, argued the order was baseless in law and made without jurisdiction. 

    The court, in a March 8 ruling, upheld MTN’s argument.

    It agreed none of MTN’s base transceiver stations violated Nigeria Communications Commission’s regulations on spacing between towers.

    Justice Bogoro adjourned till April 22.

  • Court declines to dismiss case against MTN, others

    Court declines to dismiss case against MTN, others

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that HEDA Resources Centre has a right to institute the case against ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited and MTN Nigeria.

    It is over the construction of 2,500 base transceiver stations across Nigeria for MTN’s operations within proximity to the base trans-receiver stations that belong to IHS Towers Nigeria.

    When the matter, FHC/L/CS/2359/2023, came up for hearing on March 8Justice Bogoro disagreed with MTN Nigeria’s position.

    The telco queried HEDA Resources Centre’s locus in instituting the case and ruled that the matter, being a public interest action, gives the civil society organisation the locus standi to bring the suit.

    By refusing to grant MTN’s application to dismiss the suit, the court agreed that HEDA has a valid cause of action and that it has the legal basis to bring the action against the Federal Ministry of Environment, MTN, ATC and others.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves appointment of FCTA Head of Service, Perm Sec, others

    HEDA Resource Centre, a CSO active in the promotion of sustainable development and protection of the environment, in the public interest case, seeks to stop MTN Nigeria and ATC Nigeria from citing new base stations where there are already existing base stations nearby, based on health and environmental concerns.

    The court adjourned the hearing of ATC’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of HEDA’s suit as well as the hearing of HEDA’s application for interlocutory injunction to April 22.

  • MTN, M-KOPA partner to improve underbanked customers

    MTN, M-KOPA partner to improve underbanked customers

    In a groundbreaking move aimed at broadening mobile technology access, M-KOPA, a pioneering technology solutions provider, recently unveiled a store in Ilorin.

    M-KOPA which operates across Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria, improving the lives of millions of underbanked customers through equitable and flexible financial services was established in 2011.

    These services empower customers to access life-enhancing assets, such as smartphones and digital financial services. With a track record of satisfying over 150,000 customers in Nigeria, M-KOPA, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, continues to expand its unique value proposition to customers in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and now Kwara.

    The newly opened store represents a revolutionary approach to mobile phone accessibility. Prioritizing affordability and inclusivity, customers can now acquire a phone of their choice without immediate financial constraints.

    Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic partnership, highlighting MTN’s ongoing mission to ensure every Nigerian can experience the benefits of a connected modern life. The collaboration with M-KOPA aims to further enhance smartphone affordability for Nigerians.

    Read Also: How Nigeria, others can attract foreign gas investors

    The distinctive buy now, pay later model allows customers to visit the stores, choose their preferred smartphone and repayment duration, make an initial deposit, and leave with their selected smartphone. Repayments can be as low as N4,000 per week, with the added perk of enjoying MTN data weekly on their newly acquired smartphones.

    This initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to narrowing the digital gap and empowering individuals with limited financial means to embrace modern technology. The partnership with M-KOPA enhances these efforts, providing a more comprehensive approach to accessibility and affordability in the realm of mobile technology.

  • BREAKING: NCC orders MTN, Glo, others to block SIMs without NIN from Feb 28

    BREAKING: NCC orders MTN, Glo, others to block SIMs without NIN from Feb 28

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its directive to telecom operators to bar telephone subscribers not linked to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) on or before February 28, 2024.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, spoke at the NCC’s Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday, February 28.

    Maida, who was represented by Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, noted that as a matter of critical national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to their SIM.

    He reaffirmed that the February 28th deadline given to telecom operators to bar subscribers who failed to link their NIN to SIM, stands.

    Read Also: Reps set to probe non-compliance to safety standards, failed digital switchover

    Mouka said: “To this end, the National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024.

    “As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.

    “Conversely, as we promote economic growth through the development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction.”

    The NCC boss, therefore, urged telecom firms to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service delivery, noting that the commission has implemented measures to safeguard the interests of consumers and businesses alike.

    One such measure, he said, was the NCC’s directive on May 17, 2023, that all licensed Mobile Network Operators commence implementation of approved Harmonised Short Codes for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers.

    He added: “The new initiative is enabling consumers using the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria to use the same codes to access services across all networks.”

  • How Glo, MTN interconnect debt rift was resolved

    How Glo, MTN interconnect debt rift was resolved

    Top level negotiations among officials of two of Nigeria’s leading telcos, MTN Nigeria and Globacom (Glo) and officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) led to the amicable settlement of the interconnect debt rift between the two telcos.

    Interconnect debt is one of the internal issues besetting the telecoms industry as operators get cash from interconnected calls but fail to remit to their counterparts.

    MTN had approached the NCC to get its nod for a disconnection in 2022. The Commission eventually acquiesced to the demand in December 2023 which in January gave Glo 21 days to settle its debt or its subscribers would be blocked from calling MTN lines.

    The new Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida said under his watch, the industry would see collaboration to amicably resolve issues in the industry.

    Sources said the interconnect dispute was finally resolve after MTN agreed to accept ₦2 billion to as interest payment instead of the ₦3 billion initially demanded.

    The interconnection debt on which those interests accrued had earlier been settled, a source familiar with the dispute resolution added.

    Read Also; Petrol importation drops by 3.29% in 2023

    Glo’s interconnection fees debt grew over the year because it often paid substantially less than the bill it racked up. There have been multiple threats from MTN and Airtel Nigeria to disconnect Glo over the years, with MTN disconnecting Glo for five days in 2019.

    According to a document entitled: Subscriber/Teledensity Data January 2023-December 2023, sourced from the NCC, while MTN posted 87,038,768 (38.79 per cent), Globacom had 61,604,576 representing 27.45per cent trailing Airtel with 61,834,105 representing 27.55 per cent. 

    9mobile had 13,935,482 representing 6.21per cent.

    In a statement announcing the settlement of the dispute, NCC said it was pleased to announce that the interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Globacom) has been amicably resolved.

    “In accordance with this resolution, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.

    “Following its initial Public Notice, the Commission with the aim of mitigating any potential disruptions to subscribers undertook further regulatory intervention, by mediating between the parties and facilitating the reconciliation process,” NCC said.

    It reiterated that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry.

    “In order to proactively address and prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry, the Commission will be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.

    “This statement serves as a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and compliant telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria,” the statement, endorsed by Reuben Muok, Director, Public Affairs at NCC said.