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Tag: MTN

  • MTNFoundation donates emergency ward equipment to FETHA- Ebonyi State

    The students, staff of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA 1) and residents of Ebonyi State could not hold back their excitement as they received medical equipment and supplies from MTN Foundation (MTNF).

    The donation to FETHA is part of MTN Foundation’s effort to tackle the long waiting period patients experience before getting medical attention in Nigerian hospitals.

    The commissioner, Ebonyi State Ministry of Health; Dr. Umezurike Daniel commended MTN Foundation for the gesture saying that the equipment donated will enable the state prepare and attend to any form of medical emergencies that may arise.

    The gesture is part of various corporate social responsibility activities carried out by MTN Foundation whose main objective is to improve the quality of life in communities across the country by supporting and implementing sustainable projects in education, health, art & culture, economic empowerment and other National priorities.

    Present at the event include; Director Public Health, Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mike Urom; Director Administration, Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, Lady Anoke Eze Nnenna Ogo; Chief Medical Director, FETHA, Dr. Onwe Emeka Ogah(FWACP); Senior Manager, MTN Foundation, Mr. Abasi-Ekong Udobang; Manager Health Portfolio, MTN Foundation Mr. Victor Orie-Ononogbu; and other government stakeholder/Dignitaries.

    The Foundation had on the 18th July, 2018 donated medical equipment to Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Anambra state as part the ongoing Emergency Ward Intervention project. Medical equipment including emergency crash cart/trolley, Vital sign monitor, Nebulizer, Suture sets, laryngoscopes, stethoscopes, digital patient mentors amongst others were received by FETHA officials.

    The MTN Emergency Ward Intervention train will be moving to critical medical facilities in Imo State as gathered.

  • COOUTH, Anambra receives Medical Equipment from MTN

    It was all joy and excitement for students, staff of Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital and residents of Anambra state as they received brand new sets of hospital supplies from MTN Foundation under it’s Emergency Ward Intervention project.

    Hon. Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Health; Dr. Joe Akabuike receiving the Medical supplies from Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro recently at COOUTH, Anambra State.

    These medical equipment include; digital patient monitors, stethoscopes, fracture immobilizers, laryngoscopes, aspiration suction machines, amongst others which will enable hospitals in the communities get their hands on expensive and much-needed technology to cater and improve the healthcare of residents occupying these communities.

    Following it’s donation to the North Eastern part of Nigeria during the period of insurgency, MTN Foundation has extended its Emergency Ward Intervention project to the Eastern part of Nigeria piloting with Anambra state on the 18th July, 2018 in Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka.

    Director, MTN Foundation, Mr Dennis Okoro addressing guests as he hands over the medical supplies to COOUTH, Anambra.

    At the commissioning event, Honourable Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Health; Dr. Joe Akabuike who was representing the Governor of Anambra at the event applauded MTN Foundation for the kind gesture towards the state recalled that MTN has provided the means for the state to cater for 24 hours emergency, he further noted that it is better to prepare for emergency than to expect it not to happen hence his delighment with this project.

    L-R: The Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Anambra State, Dr. John Ndibe; Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro; Hon. Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike and Chief Medical Director, COOUTH, Dr. Basil Nwankwo at the handover ceremony of the Emergency Ward Project in Anambra State.

    Some notable dignitaries present at the event includes Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro; Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Anambra State, Dr. John Ndibe; Chief Medical Director, COOUTH, Dr. Basil Nwankwo; Chief Medical Director, General Hospital Onitsha, Dr. Ebelechukwu Anukwu; Senior Manager, MTN Foundation, Mr. Abasi-Ekong Udobang; Manager Health Portfolio, MTN Foundation Mr. Victor Orie-Ononogbu; and other government stakeholder/Dignitaries.

    The Emergency Ward Intervention project train will move to Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA 1), Ebonyi before concluding at Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Owerri.

    See more photos below:

      

       

     

  • Picketing: MTN takes case to United Nation-ILO

    MTN Nigeria said its assets worth millions of dollars have been vandalised following the three-day picketing by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at some of the telecommunication company’s offices across Nigerian states.

    The mobile communication company may have however considered to approach the United Nation – International Labour Organisation(ILO) to make case for an alleged display of violence, disregard for the ILO code of conduct, and vandalising of its assets in the name of picketing.

     MTN said in a statement that, NLC contravenes ILO principles concerning the right to strike section 8.1 which focuses on picketing which states;

     “Taking part in picketing and firmly but peacefully inciting other workers to keep away from their workplace cannot be considered unlawful. The case is different, however, when picketing is accompanied by violence or coercion of non-strikers in an attempt to interfere with their freedom to work; such acts constitute criminal offences in many countries.

     The requirement that strike pickets can only be set up near an enterprise does not infringe the principles of freedom of association (ibid., paras. 586 and 587).”

    The MTN statement read further that, “officials of the NLC were at the MTN offices to picket however, the protest became violent and disorganised as property within MTN premises were vandalised.

    Damaged gate at MTN office

    “Doors and gates were destroyed, several staff of the company were manhandled and in the Ikoyi head office, the MTN flag was lowered and the NLC flag hoisted in its place.

     “Critical national infrastructure across the country were breached and attempts were made to seriously compromise them like turning off the independent power plants at the Ojota switch station, Lagos.”

    Founded in 1919, the ILO’s main goal is to bring together governments, employers and workers of its member states to set labour standards, develop policies and design programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

    Meanwhile, renowned UK based accountant and social commentator, Feyi Fawehinmi and veteran radio presenter, Jimi Disu have openely condemn the picketing.

    In his words: “As far as I am concerned, they went on a fund-raising exercise. Now it didn’t just end there, if you are going to picket a company let’s just say for all intents and purposes, does it then mean that you must go on a destroying mission?

    Broken entrance door at MTN office

    “You went in there and destroyed their properties. Here we are, our existence economically is somewhat premised on what we call foreign investment, now is this how you are going to treat companies that come?”

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as well as the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has also learnt their voices.

    ALTON advised MTN Nigeria to consider preventive shutdown of network if telecoms facilities are damaged.

    Tony Ojobo, the spokesman of the NCC in a statement confirmed that on Monday night the NCC activated the MOU with NSCDC to protect the switch stations and BTSs belonging to MTN and other telecom operators.

    Tony also added that, “NCC has also briefed the security agencies on developments particularly the implications of the attempt to shut down the Ojota switch station. A collapse of the telecommunications grid is likely if these attacks on MTN and other telecom facilities are not abated.”

    Tobechukwu Okigbo, Corporate Relations Executive, MTN Nigeria reiterated that MTN has a credible position on unionism.

    He said, “We do not prevent our employees from associating amongst themselves as they deem fit and owe our employees the obligation to ensure they are not compelled to join associations. MTN supports the freedom of association as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.”

    All workers have rights that should be protected. We work hard to not only ensure that this is done but also to ensure that our company is a Great Place to Work. We will continue to champion our peoples’ rights, whether they are part of a union or not and work hard to minimise disruptions in service to our customers.

  • NCC working with stakeholders on MTN, labour crisis

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has opened talks with critical stakeholders on MTN’s labour issues, its Director of Public Affairs said yesterday.

    The Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) also reacted to the disruption of MTN services across the country. It described that action as “unnecessary venture and an intentional attempt to frustrate and sabotage the effort of our member to provide a seamless communication for all Nigerians.

    Its President, Olushola Teniola expressed worry that the picketers became so violent during their unnecessary demonstration. “ATCON thinks if NLC wants to do anything at all, NLC should have peacefully carried out their picketing instead of going violent,” he said.

    Ojobo howeversaid the leadership of the regulatory agency led by Prof. Umar Danbatta has opened talks with other critical stakeholders through the office of the Executive Commissioner Stakeholders Management, Mr Sunday Dare.

    “Both ATCON and Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) leadership are working with NCC on these developments.

    “The regulator is working behind the scene to protect telecom infrastructure and minimise telecom service disruptions in order not to compromise, national security, and quality of service and protection of over 160 million subscribers,’’ he said.

    Ojobo said that NCC had also activated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU with) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC)  to protect telecom critical national infrastructure.

  • Why we are picketing MTN, says NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said on Tuesday that it decided to picket all MTN offices nationwide because of the unfriendly Labour practice of the company, saying no amount of blackmail will deter them from continuing with the action.

    In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the Congress said all its efforts and those brokered by the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association to address the issues of unfriendly Labour practices and disallowing its workers to unionize failed as the company fail to return to the negotiating table.

    It said even though the company makes 60 percent of its profit from Nigeria, it is only in Nigeria that MTN workers are not unionised and are subjected to casualisation in total violation of the Labour laws in the country and the ILO conventions.

    Read Also:Labour pickets MTN over anti-workers policies

    The statement reads: “Today, Tuesday, July 10, marks the second day of the picketing of MTN offices nationwide by the Nigeria Labour Congress and its civil society allies. This press statement is intended to explain the reasons for this action as well as debunk the false information being fed to the public by MTN that our members have been unruly in prosecuting this action which is intended to divert attention from the real issues.

    “MTN Nigeria, since it commenced operations in Nigeria and in clear violation of extant national and international labour laws, especially ILO Conventions 87 and 98 has denied its workers the fundamental principles of the rights at work.

    “It similarly indulges in other anti-labour practices such as casualisation for nearly all types of work, fixed- term contract work for Nigerian workers, worst forms of precarious work, etc.

    “It is on record that the Nigeria Labour Congress, on several occasions protested to the MTN and government about these unwholesome practices.

    The World Decent Work Day marked on October 7th last year marked a watershed in these protests as NLC briefly picketed their Maitama office in Abuja.

    “In response to this action of NLC, MTN reached out to NECA (Nigerian Employers Consultative Association) which brokered a meeting. However, due to inexplicable reasons, MTN opted out of the negotiations to the chagrin and embarrassment of NECA.

    “Thereafter every effort by NECA and NLC to get MTN to the negotiating table failed. Frustrated, NECA pulled out of the negotiations. Subsequent efforts by NLC yielded no response either. Left with no other choice, NLC served MTN notice of a picket in line with the provisions of the law. This action commenced across the country yesterday, Monday, July 9, 2018.

    “And in prosecuting this picket, our members have been peaceful and orderly.
    We have not destroyed the property of MTN and we do not intend to do so as that is not our objective anyway. There is no doubt that we are clear about our objectives and we shall not allow anything to distract us.  We are responsible workers and we are alive to our duties and responsibilities.

    “Even when MTN sponsored members of a private security company (with which it works) to attack and injure some of our members, we resisted the option of a proportionate response.

    “The Falomo police have in their custody one of the attackers and an ID card of one of the assailants.

    “MTN therefore, instead of resorting to cheap blackmail and propaganda should do the needful, give to Nigerian workers in their employ, their rights to freely associate, and hold an opinion as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, the Labour Laws and Conventions 87 and 98 of the ILO.

    “It is equally important to explain that Nigeria is the only country MTN refuses to allow workers to unionise. In South Africa where the company comes from, workers are unionised. Indeed, our counterparts in South Africa are worried that we have allowed this matter to linger for so long as MTN may choose to try to impose similar conditions on them.

    “In Ghana, workers are unionised as in every other country MTN carries on business. It is important to point out that MTN makes over 60 per cent of its global money in Nigeria. Why then must it be so disdainful of our laws and people.

    “However, its acts of impunity are not entirely new. Nigerians may recall it was the same MTN in clear breach of national security that imperiled the lives of our security personnel in the Northeast over which it was fined.

    “We insist that companies, no matter how rich or powerful must obey the laws of the land. We insist they must treat Nigerians fairly and decently. No one should be above the law.  Let all Nigerians know we are committed to this operation. We have the will and the means to sustain it.

    “Finally, we commend the Nigeria Police so far for their exemplary conduct. We single out for special commendation the police in and around Falomo, Lagos.”

  • ALTON: We’ll advise MTN to consider shutdown if…

    The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) says it will advise MTN Nigeria to consider preventive shutdown of network if its picketing by the organised labour leads to damage to telecoms facilities.

    The ALTON Chairman, Mr Gbenga Adebayo, said that the shutdown would be necessary to avoid damage to network.

    Adebayo made this known in a statement in Lagos.

    He said that damage to telecom facilities would lead to disruption of critical national security and economic services which could expose citizens to danger.

    “We hereby strongly request government and its law enforcement agencies to intervene expeditiously, otherwise the association will advise its member to consider preventive shutdown,’’ he said.

    Adebayo said that disruption of operations of MTN through the picketing by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) would lead to poor quality of services which would affect the country as a whole.

    “Members of ALTON are law-abiding organisations who are committed to best practices in all areas including labour-related matters.

    “Employees of our members are able to join or form associations and unions if they so desire.

    “However, the practice is that membership of associations and unions are voluntary, in line with fundamental human rights regarding freedom of association as guaranteed by the constitution.

    Read also:Airtel Touching Lives gets CSR leadership award

    “Individuals must not be compelled to join an association or union if they do not choose to do so,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLC picketed MTN Nigeria on Monday and continued on Tuesday over alleged unfair labopir practices.

    The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, told journalists during picketing of MTN Headquarters in Lagos that the organised labour would not tolerate deprivation or enslavement of the Nigerian worker.

    Wabba said that MTN Nigeria refused to adhere to labour rules and allow its workers to belong to unions.

    MTN, however, denied the allegations.

  • MTN shuts Maitama, Abuja office

    The MTN office in the Maitama District of Abuja, on Tuesday was under lock and key following the nationwide picketing of the company by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the office, reports that it was locked with only policemen and other security personnel outside the gate.

    NAN reports that the picketing of MTN offices by NLC, which started on Monday, was in protest against non-unionisation of its workers.

    The leadership of the union and other members had barricaded the head office of the company in Lagos for about eight hours, preventing workers from carrying out their daily duties.

    A security man, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN in Abuja that there was a directive from the MTN headquarters in Lagos that all staff of the organisation should not come to work until further notice.

    “Maybe it is because of the protest by some people in our office in Lagos.

    “We were told to come to office but all other staff of the organisation were asked to stay at home till further notice, ‘’ he said.

    NAN reports that the protest in Lagos was led by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba.

    “There are a lot of anti-labour practices by the company, which include denying the workers freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining,’’ Wabba said.

    At the time of filing the report, MTN offices in many states are still closed for business.

    Similar protests took place in Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Kano, Ibadan and other cities on Monday.

  • MTN, Nokia term up on customer experience

    With the increasing demand on telecoms network services and the subsequent rise in customer related issues, MTN, in partnership with Nokia, has launched a revolutionary cognitive analytics solution for customer insight.

    The proprietary solution was designed to provide a complete view of customer experience, device analytics, network experience and usage. This will help the company better and much quicker understand network quality/user issues, reduce customer churn, grow usage, achieve best experience in the market and lead to a more positive net promoter score (NPS).

    The project, which commenced in MTNN late last year with the deployment of platforms and a Service Operations Centre (SOC) at VGC, was presented to media, stakeholders and regulatory agencies present at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. After presentations and a brief question and answer session, the guests were conveyed to the Service Operation Centre (SOC) in VGC, Lagos for the commissioning and use case demonstration.

    Commenting at the launch,  Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, said: “We have always been a customer-centric organisation, placing unmeasurable value on our customers and their experiences, and constantly seeking ways to better serve them. We are very excited about this launch today as it marks a new era in customer relations not just for us as MTN and our customers, but also for telecommunications and the technology ecosystem as a whole”

    Also commenting at the event, General Manager, Customer Experience, MTN Nigeria, Kola Oyeyemi said: “Our customers are our most critical asset as an organisation, and this has driven us to seek for partnerships that will make our customers delighted. The new CEM system will help us anticipate the problems customers might face even before they experience it, and this helps us tackle those problems ahead of time. This means customers don’t have to go through any nasty experience and the service is also at no extra cost to the customer.”

  • Oyo NLC shuts MTN offices in Ibadan

    Nigerian workers under the aegis of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State Chapter, on Monday, shut down the operations at all the offices of telecommunication giant, MTN across Ibadan, the Oyo state capital over the allegation that the company over the years refused to allow its members of staff unionise.

    Oyo State NLC Chairman, Mr Waheed Olojede, who led other labour leaders and members in the exercise, said the action became inevitable owing to continuous noncompliance of MTN to its calls for adherence to conventions of the International Labour Organisation which demands that workers be members of a union.

    The NLC boss who was accompanied by his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Emmanuel Ogundiran, expressed optimism that MTN will within the next three days, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to the effect that the organisation will inaugurate leadership of their union.

    During the Monday exercise, MTN offices in areas like Idi Ape, Mobil and Secretariat were among those picketed, with Olojede assuring that more operational offices of the telecommunications company will be visited today (Tuesday).

    Speaking on why the labour union decided on MTN among other telecommunication companies, Olojede explained that the State chapter only complied with the directive of its national leadership.

    He warned that other telecom companies may be picketed next week if the needful is not done.

    Olojede said, “By the directive of the Central Working Committee of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), we are here to say no to the anti-labour practices of MTN in Nigeria. Over the years, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has engaged the management in negotiations, consultations on the need to allow workers under the employ of MTN to unionise.

    “Unionization within establishment is internationally accepted. It is captured by the conventions of the International Labour Organisation. Here in Nigeria, the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria, Article 30 allows it. The constitution also allows for freedom of association. It worries NLC as to why MTN is not allowing its workers to unionise.

    “When all negotiations between the management of MTN and the leadership of NLC is not producing the desired result, hence the need for this action. The meeting in Kaduna decided to employ legal instrument of picketing and lockout to tell the management of MTN in Nigeria that their actions are illegal, anti-labour and uncivilized.

    “Within three days, MTN is expected to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the NLC in ensuring that unionization is allowed. It is a three day action nationwide. Once they sign an agreement and we see those organizations inaugurating leadership of their union, we will suppress action.

    “One thing some employers of labour do not know so well is that peace, decorum and tranquility resides in an environment where you have industrial union. This is an opportunity for the two key parties to negotiate dialogue and create industrial peace and harmony. Almost all telecom companies are guilty of this offence. But MTN being the largest of them all, they are the first we are picketing and the instruction is narrowed down to MTN.

    “I believe the Central Working Committee of the NLC will decide the next line of action concerning other telecommunication companies. I am sure this action is sending signals to other telecommunication companies that their practices are illegal and the labour movement will not stand akimbo to watch all these actions continue unabated,” Olojede said.

  • NLC pickets MTN office in Kano

    The Nigerian Labour Congress ( NLC ) on Monday picket MTN office in Kano , following the hostile working environment for the workers.

    The picketing that started at about 6.30am which led to the total grounding of activities at the office.

    Kano NLC Chairman Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir said the picketing was a directive from the union headquarters and is a nationwide exercise

    “ The picketing became inevitable as the company has refused to heed advice to stop its inhuman treatment of workers. About 80% of the staff are casuals and they are not allowed to unionized which is against the International Labour Organisation treaty,” said Kabir Minjibir.

    The NLC Chairman said the union has being in discussion with the company for over a year to correct there ways of addressing workers issues which are mostly slavery like.He insisted that they would not leave the frontage of the MTN office until they are directed from the NLC headquarters.The labour union was supported by civil society organizations that included Centre for Awareness and Justice (CAJA) .

    Speaking to Reperters at the MTN office, CAJA Executive Director Comrade Kabir Saidu Dakata said the picketing is supported by the CSOs considering that NLC is the only mouth piece of the masses in Nigeria as the government has failed to protect the common man.

    All efforts to speak with the company representative was not successful as a staff said they are not authorized to talk to the media.