…thanks Nigerians for 20 years of unflinching support

Nigeria’s largest telecommunications firm, MTN Nigeria, has expressed its gratitude to its customers and different stakeholders for their unflinching support. The company hosted a cross-section of media professionals and customers at its corporate Headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Twenty MTN customers went home with brand new cars at the event. The winners were randomly selected from subscribers that joined the network on the company’s anniversary each year since inception in 2001. An Editor of Guardian Newspaper, Chuks Nwanne, was one of the 20 MTN customers to receive a brand-new Honda HRV SUV from the company. Elated, Mr. Nwanne could not hide his excitement. He thanked MTN for giving him such a priceless gift.

Customers, publishers, editors, and reporters across broadcast, print and online media platforms were invited to the exclusive event in a show of appreciation by MTN’s executives to a cross section of stakeholders. Guests in attendance were treated to a night of comedy, music and poetry performances by foremost comedian Tee A, spoken word poet, Sage Hasson and a quartet led by Emmaolin.

In his remarks, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, OFR, Chairman MTN Nigeria appreciated the role that all stakeholders have played in enabling and supporting MTN Nigeria’s journey in the past 20 years and the impact on the economy. “When we look at where we are today, and how far we’ve come, what stands out is not just the number of people connected, or the amount of revenue generated, etc. We see the multiplier effect connectivity services can have on the social and economic ecosystem. And now more than ever, I am optimistic about what the future holds for Nigeria’s digital economy and I look forward to building it together, with all of you.”

“This 20-year journey is the result of the boundless possibilities in our nation, the incredible potential that the Nigerian telecoms and technology sector represent, and the guidance and support that we have received from millions of Nigerians, in every corner of the country. We are here today because of the role that each of you – media, customers, trade partners, retailers – has played in this journey. For this, we are humbled and grateful. To all of you, we extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude, and we deliver an important message – the best is yet to come,” Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria stated.

Alfred Emwata Iserhienrhien who has been an MTN subscriber since 2001 and one of the recipients of Honda HRV expressed his elation. “I got this SIM card in 2001 and everywhere I go, it has been going with me.

I am happy about this gift; in fact, my mind is blown and on behalf of all the gifted persons I say thank you to MTN. We are all happy and grateful and will continue to dance because of this incredible gift.”

The ICT and telecoms company began operations in Nigeria in August 2001. Twenty years later, it has become an integral part of the country’s telecommunications success story. Earlier in August, MTN gave all customers free airtime and mobile data worth over ₦8.4 billion to commemorate its anniversary.

MTN has announced a series of activities as part of its milestone anniversary celebration including, participating in the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Programme (RITC) for an opportunity to reconstruct some road networks in South-Eastern Nigeria, incorporating some of the latest technology, build a world-class campus in Nigeria and sell down, up to 14% of its equity to Nigerians.