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Tag: MTN

  • Aniche, Ezeh dazzle at MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships

    Aniche, Ezeh dazzle at MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships

    National Youth Games champion Michael Aniche and Adaeze Ezeh showed their class  at the MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships in Benin after leading their teams – Baptist Vocational of Rivers State and Vision High School of Anambra to dominate the cadet event at the three-day tournament held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

    883 athletes across 157 schools in the three age categories (Cadet, Youth & Junior) competed in the Benin leg of the championships as Aniche ruled the cadet boys’ 400m, long jump and mixed 4X400m relay to become the cynosure of all eyes at the tournament which aided his team’s triumph in the cadet event with 49points.

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    Like Aniche, Ezeh coasted  to victory in the girls’ cadet in 100m, 200m, long jump and 4×100 relay events to ensure that her team Vision High School also topped the girls’ cadet event with 59points.

    Aniche and Ezeh won the MVP in the cadet division (U-14) while Anthony Lucky and Success Oruaro were named the MVP in the Youth event (U-17).

    Lucky emerged champion in the boys’ long jump event while Oruaro claimed gold medals in girls’ 100m and 200m.

    For the junior event (U-20), Isaac Chukwuwike who claimed gold medals in 400m, 800m, mixed 4X400m relay was named the MVP in the boys’ junior event, while Victoria Olaniyi who won gold medals in 100m and 200m was named the girls’ junior MVP.

    For their feat in Benin, Aniche, Ezeh, Lucky, Oruaro, Chukwumike, and Olaniyi have secured their places in the grand finale in Abuja later in the year.

    Other golden performers that will join the top six at the Abuja finale from the Benin leg include Showers Ushie, who claimed gold medal in the junior boys 100m; Faith Osamuyi, a gold medal in 100m hurdles and silver medal in 100m; Jane Chioma Onyeneho who finished top three in the junior girls’ 100m and 200m as well as Isaac Egberebo, a silver medallist in boys’ junior 100m and 200m will also join the train to Abuja.

    The grassroots athletics championship is being organized by Making of Champion (MoC) in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) and sponsored by MTN Nigeria.

  • MTN okays N90m to equip youths

    MTN okays N90m to equip youths

    MTN Nigeria yesterday said it has approved N90 million for 300 youths that emerged successful in its sixth edition of  its youth skills development initiative tagged MTN ICT and Business Skills Training.

    Through its Foundation, MTN Foundation, the cash will be used to equip the lucky participants to expand their businesses and deepen the digital literacy landscape.

    Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro pledged the commitment of the company to expand the digital horizon in the country by investing in digital skills development among the youths and congratulated the winners and participants.

    One of the winners, Mohammed Idriss, co-founder of Wingnet IT and Electronics, fromYobe State, thanked the telecom company for the opportunity provided for him and others in partnership with Meta and Microsoft.

    He said: “What I got was beyond what I could describe. I know how difficult it is to train people; the support will enable me to take my training programme to students in SS2 and SS3 in Yobe State to the virtual space. We have partnered with the state government to train youths in ICT.

    “We train students and work hard to stimulate their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) so that they could embrace a career in the technology sector.”

    According to the telco, MTN ICT and Business Skills Training is a youth development initiative aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 years with tech enabled skills to keep their small businesses relevant and competitive.

    Read Also: AFRIFF, MTN to boost indigenous content in films

    The training was delivered through a five-week online programme which included Masterclasses from key industry experts.

    Participants will be given data for the duration of the programme to support a seamless learning experience. Not only that, the top 300 participants will be supported with an Equipment Grant worth N90,000,000.

    “In partnership with some of our ecosystem partners – Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, CISCO, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, 5 Phases of the ICT and Business Skills Training have been implemented in 16 states since 2018.

    They are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo and Rivers. So far 4,036 young people have completed this programme.

    In the sixth phase, 3000 youths participated in the ICT training that was done in partnership with Microsoft and Meta.

    Microsoft trained participants on Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age, ICT for Business Success and their new Generative AI skills while Meta trained participants on Skills to Build Brands and Grow Businesses Online through their Meta Boost for Small Business.

  • AFRIFF, MTN to boost indigenous content in films

    AFRIFF, MTN to boost indigenous content in films

    Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has partnered MTN to boost the African film industry to develop indigenous content.

     This collaboration aims to revolutionise the African film industry, opening up avenues for filmmakers and creating opportunities for promotion and distribution of indigenous content.

    AFRIFF, recognised as the largest annual film festival in Africa, has been in the forefront of showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing talents for over a decade.

     Through this partnership, AFRIFF and MTN aim to bridge the gap between talented African filmmakers and a wider audience as the streaming landscape is dominated by global streamers.

     Founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to partner MTN, a leader in the telecommunications industry.

    Read Also: Benin agog for MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships

     “This collaboration will empower African filmmakers, providing them with the means to reach a broader audience and ensuring their incredible stories are heard.

     “Together, we will redefine the African film landscape and foster growth of the industry.”

     Chief Digital Officer of MTN, Aisha Umar-Mumuni, added: “Digital entertainment has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives, and growth in the use of smartphones and digital services has compelled the need to provide digital solutions and partner organisations, such as AFRIFF, to distribute indigenous African content, making them accessible regardless of geographical locations.

     “We are well-positioned to lead the charge as the biggest ICT operator in Africa, committed to using technology to promote the continent on the global stage.”

    This year’s  festival, with the theme: ‘Indigenous 2.0 Global’, holds November 5 and 11 at Landmark Centre in Lagos.

  • Benin agog for MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships

    Benin agog for MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships

    The ancient city of Benin will come alive from today as 900 athletes in the region converge for the kick-off of the maiden MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships tagged ‘MTN Champs’.

    The new-look Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will host the three-day championships which serve as qualifiers for athletes from the region that are aiming to be part of the grand finale in Abuja later in the year.

    The grassroots athletics championship is being organized by Making of Champion (MoC) in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) is expected to produce the new global stars for the country.

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    With the closure of registration for the first leg of the MTN Champs in Benin, all is now set for the competition tomorrow as 1632 event entries were received from 883 athletes across 157 schools in the three age categories (Cadet, Youth & Junior).

    According to Chief Marketing Officer of MTN, Adia Showo, MTN Is proud to be associated with the vision of MTN CHAMPS as it really sits at the heart of what the brand stands for.

    She said:“The 10 best athletes discovered from CHAMPS will join the MoC Academy and will have the benefit of a structured training schedule, which teaches them the importance of discipline, time management and valuable skills that they will be able to bring in sports and in life. Also, MTN is committed to developmental sports not just for the accomplishment of individual goals, but for national aspirations as well, the discipline, the rigour and the passion is profitable for nation building which our beloved Nigeria needs,” she added.

  • MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships to debut

    MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships to debut

    All is now set for the maiden MTN Schools’ Athletics Championships tagged MTN CHAMPS, which is aimed at transforming school sports with four centres hosting the first edition across the country.

    The tournament is the brainchild of Making of Champions (MoC) in collaboration with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) with technical support from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will take place in the Southern, Eastern, Western and Northern parts of the country from this month to next month.

    In a statement issued yesterday by MoC, over 7,000 athletes from 500 Schools across the four events, with each centre hosting the three-day Championships, in Benin, Uyo, Ibadan and Abuja for the inaugural season while the grand final will take place in Abuja where the best athletes discovered from each zone will converge for the finale.

    According to MoC, the ultimate goal of MTN CHAMPS is to re-ignite grassroots athletics talent search across Nigeria to discover and develop the athletes that will deliver global medals and become future sporting legends for the nation.

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    To this end, the grand prize of season one will be full one-year sponsorships for 10 athletes discovered at MTN CHAMPS to join MoC Athletics Academy in Lagos, which MTN is supporting as Lead Sponsor in 2024, to enable the best talents discovered earn college or high school scholarships in US or Jamaica, and to train for a chance to represent Nigeria at future global competitions.

    Over 1,800 athletes are expected to compete at the three-day tournament in each centre with Benin centre kick-starting the championships on October 12. The Abuja grand finale will be held on December 2.

    Among the events to contest for include 100m, 100mhurdle, 200m, 400m, 4x100m, 800m, shot put, discus, long jump, triple jump, high jump.

  • Ex CEO, MTN in severance package row

    Ex CEO, MTN in severance package row

    The protracted legal battle between telecommunication giant, MTN Group and its former chief executive officer (CEO), Mr. Ahmad Farroukh, will move to the court room this month as both parties failed to resolve the lingering claim on severance package.

    Farroukh had a long career of nine years with the MTN Group. During this period, he served as the CEO of both MTN Nigeria, MTN South Africa and as Group Chief Operating Executive (GCOE); managing 19 operations.

    Farroukh, during his tenure, was credited with remarkable milestones in growth and profitability, including the unprecedented growth of MTN Nigeria’s subscriber base from nine to 40 million. As the GCOE of MTN Group, he led more than 19 operations, which were largely profitable.

    Sources in the know of the legal battle said the bone of contention revolved around Farroukh’ s claim for end-of-service benefits entitled to him upon separation from MTN. The amount was said to be seven digits of dollars.

    After the parties failed to agree, Farroukh, six years ago, initiated legal proceedings against MTN Group. The case has however suffered delays, with some sources in the know of the proceedings accusing MTN of deliberately stalling the expeditious resolution of the case.

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    They alleged that MTN might be deliberately prolonging the case with a view to wearing Farroukh down, thereby pushing him to give up on his quest for justice or to incur exorbitant legal costs capable of deterring his pursuit for justice.

    Farroukh, has however, remained resolute and finally the court case is scheduled for October 16, 2023. It was further revealed that Farroukh’s unwavering commitment to getting what he believes is his rightful due, has garnered attention and support from fellow employees and industry observers alike. Many viewed the case as a test of MTN’s corporate responsibility and employee’s rights, with concerns that such a high-level dispute underlines challenges employees face when seeking fair exit treatment in the corporate world.

    Farroukh’s claim to end-of-service benefits was said to have accrued during his years with MTN and these were at the time of his employment carried by Investcom, which was bought by MTN in mid 2006.

    Efforts to reach Farroukh and MTN for comments were unsuccessful at the time of going to the press.

    A source close to Farroukh however said he was committed to his pursuit of justice and hoping to secure justice, no matter the challenges.

  • MTN secure exclusive right to NPFL Broadcast Streaming

    MTN secure exclusive right to NPFL Broadcast Streaming

    Propel Sports Africa, the broadcast streaming partners of the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) has announced a deal with MTN Nigeria for exclusive broadcast of the matches on mobile devices on the telecom giant’s network.

    Propel are looking to cover eight games every matchday for streaming, which would translate to over 300 games per season.

    Basil Kabbani, Chairman of Propel Sports Africa said “the engagement with the team at MTN has been amazing. From the Digital Value Added Service (VAS), to the Marketing and  Commercial team, their approach has been consistently professional, and their  enthusiasm for the NPFL content has been infectious.

    “From the very start of our  negotiations, we knew MTN was the right partner to give our great content, the platform it deserves.”

    The deal, concluded by Propel Sports Africa President, Edward Simons and MTN Chief  Operating Officer Hassan Jabar, will include in-and-post-game highlights delivered in real time to MTN subscribers through the NPFL Live OTT platform.

    “We are excited about this opportunity to deliver entertaining content to our  subscribers. It is a testament to our commitment to sports development in Nigeria.

    “We know Nigerians love football and we are glad to partner with Propel Sports Africa and GTI to deliver Nigerian Premier League matches in high definition to our customers. We are confident that this partnership will transform the reception and appreciation of the Nigerian league,” said Hassan Jaber, Chief Operating  Officer, MTN Nigeria.

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    In his comments on the deal, NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye remarked that, “The NPFL is excited about the partnership potentials to elevate the league’s visibility and engagement. We are thrilled to welcome MTN as our exclusive telecommunications partner.

    “Their expertise and commitment to innovation align seamlessly with our vision for the league and with MTN’s support, we look forward to not only reaching a wider audience but also enhancing the overall experience for our dedicated fans.”

    Elegbeleye further said:”This ground-breaking collaboration marks a significant milestone in the realms of sports and technology, promising an elevated viewing experience for football enthusiasts across the nation and abroad.”

    He went on to say that the partnership underscores a shared commitment to bring the excitement of football closer to the hearts of millions of Nigerians.

    “The partnership will also redefine how football is experienced, engaging fans in every goal, tackle, and victory with,” the NPFL boss concluded.

    Propel Sports Africa’s in-Country Director Victor Okobi said: “I cannot think of a better network than MTN to showcase the best of Nigerian soccer on NPFL-Live.”

  • ‘MTN controls over 50% subscribers’

    ‘MTN controls over 50% subscribers’

    MTN Nigeria Communication PLC has reassured customers of its commitment to providing quality and efficient service delivery across the country.

    General Manager, Regional Operations, East, Callima Inino, gave the reassurance at the just concluded Anambra Investment Summit 2023, powered by State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA).

    He said the organisation could boast of over 50 per cent subscriber base in Anambra, with over 7,000 agents and 300 merchants, with increasing penetration and adoption. 

    He, however, regretted certain challenges confronting the organisation, including

    vandalism of its sites, infrastructure and national assets, as well as destruction of laid fibres during construction. 

    Describing Anambra population as good market for the organisation to invest, especially ahead of the proposed smart mega city, Inino stressed the need for partnership and support of government and other stakeholders to meet up with vision 2025.

    He said: “As an organisation that renders best and excellent services, with different digital platforms and technologies, there are lots to benefit from our various platforms, including 15 to 50 per cent of recharge. 

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    “In terms of subscriber base in Anambra, we control over 50 per cent of the market share. I can authoritatively tell you that Anambra is one of the locations we are thriving more, especially in penetration and adoption. 

    “We have over 7,000 agents and over 300 merchants where you accept money as a means of payment. Yet, we won’t relent in driving our services, penetration and adoption in the state.

    “However, we face the challenge of booster within the market space, which intercepts negatively with the network quality.

    “These are part of the uncontrollable variables which we keep addressing so our esteemed customers are not denied of their services, especially during emergencies, as they get value for their money.

    “This is one of the reasons we’re here to leverage on government partnership to ensure protection of our infrastructure as well as guarantee quality and efficient service delivery to the people.

    “We believe that through continued aggressive awareness and advocacy, we’ll continue to ensure improved availability and wide coverage for our numerous customers to enjoy at its peak.”

  • MTN acquires 2.6GHz spectrum to deepen broadband penetration

    MTN acquires 2.6GHz spectrum to deepen broadband penetration

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the transfer of a 10MHz spectrum in the 2.6GHz spectrum band from OPENSKYS Services Limited (OS) to MTN Nigeria.

    According to a statement from MTN, the licence took effect on September 7, and will see MTN deploy the spectrum across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The 2.6GHz spectrum band is designated for the deployment of terrestrial mobile broadband services.

    According to a GSMA report on opportunities for global mobile broadband, the 2.6GHz spectrum band is the ideal complement to the 700MHz-800MHz spectrum bands as together, these bands can help to provide the most cost-effective nationwide coverage of mobile broadband services across both rural and urban areas.

    Broadband penetration in Nigeria stood at 47.36 per cent as at last December. The Federal Government has a target of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025.

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    MTN Nigeria’s acquisition of the broadband spectrum will enable the ICT giant to provide improved broadband services for its customers, meeting the rapidly growing demand for capacity to deliver mobile broadband services on a widespread, common basis across the country.

    MTN says the transfer of the spectrum will significantly improve its customers’ experience in line with its commitment to deliver excellent service. In addition, the acquired spectrum will also enable the telecommunications operator to deliver broadband technologies, aiding the achievement of Nigeria’s broadband objective.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria said: “This additional spectrum will enable us to deliver on our promise to our customers to deliver quality service, as we continue to support the Federal Government’s vision of deepening broadband penetration in the country.”

    A report by the GSMA suggests that an increase in broadband penetration especially in developing countries automatically translates to an increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and this underscores the need for constant development and investment in broadband infrastructure such as the 2.6GHz spectrum band.

  • MTN, Seplat seal 5G2Business deal

    MTN, Seplat seal 5G2Business deal

    MTN Nigeria has signed a 5G2Business Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seplat Energy to deploy the fifth generation (5G) services to facilitate business optimisation.

    The telecom operator, in a statement, explained that the deal attests to the advancements in business digital transformation. 5G will enable businesses to unlock new efficiencies, automate processes, optimise operations, and propel innovation and productivity to new heights.

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    Speaking on this collaboration, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, said: “We are thrilled to join hands with Seplat Energy to spearhead the integration of intelligent digital technologies into industry processes in Nigeria. With this partnership, we open new vistas of possibilities, empowering enterprises to embrace cutting-edge technologies and digitally transform their day-to-day operations. While revolutionising the energy sector, this collaboration is set to deliver great value to Seplat Energy’s stakeholders.”

    Also speaking, Director, Corporate Services at Seplat Energy, Charles Gbandi, said: “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with MTN Nigeria as this collaboration is a game-changer for our industry. As a sustainable business, this partnership marks a significant step forward in embracing 5G technology’s vast potential, and we believe it will empower us to drive innovation, efficiency and growth in the energy sector.”

    MTN Nigeria remains at the forefront of driving 5G adoption in Nigeria having commercially launched the service in 2022 for individuals and enterprises. The technology will power Industry 4.0 with its low latency that will facilitate Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and smart business operations. Seplat’s adoption of 5G services is a testament to the company’s drive to lead the digital revolution in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.