MTN Connects Oraifite Festival in Anambra

Telecommunications Company, MTN Nigeria has again showed its willingness to give back to the society through its support of the culture of the Nigerian people by choosing to sponsor the first homecoming celebration in Oraifite, Anambara State, tagged Oraiezue celebration.

The mobile telephone company which is committed to empowering Nigerians with access to communication that connects them to their loved ones had through its family and friends’ brand, XtraConnect brought a unique appeal to the celebration which was concluded last week.

According to a statement by the company on Monday, this unique communal development initiative is one which is highly welcomed and appreciated by the people and rulers of Oraifite as the telecoms company’s involvement has also been viewed as an attraction for the younger generation so that they can appreciate and understand the essence of communal unity and bonding.

Speaking on the sponsorship of the festival, the Regional Marketing Manager, South-East, MTN Nigeria Mr Daniel Nwankwo, said that it is in the company’s nature to identify with Nigerian culture.

“Festival sponsorships is our own way of giving back to society and positively empowering our local communities; we also use festivals as a medium to communicate the MTN Xtraconnect value offering because it is a platform that propagates immense social values that appeal to our indigenous culture.” He said.

The weeklong celebration of Oraiezue festival which is also a celebration of unity since it brings together indigenes of the community from far and near, comprised a number of events such as a football match, youth symposium, free medical services and a cocktail; with a cultural fiesta as the grand finale.

This cultural and communal developmental effort, the company said, was a unique way of re-branding the hitherto unappreciated cultural festivals in Nigeria.

“Given time and with the support of organisations such as MTN, cultural festivals which is a testimony to our rich cultural heritage is sure to pull more personalities and tourists of international repute and can be a leverage tool to attract foreign investment to Nigeria,” it stated.

Globacom Begins Multimedia Messaging Service Contest

Still in the season of celebration, the indigenous telecom service provider in Nigeria, Globacom has kicked off its Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) with the launch of a picture contest tagged ‘Best Smile’.

The best smile contest enables subscribers to share pictures of self, friends or families between December 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009, with the network through MMS and stand the chance of winning prizes such as LCD TV, mobile phones, free airtime and Glo branded items.

To qualify for the contest, Mr. Samson Isa Head, Value Added services of Globacom explained that the subscriber will send the picture via MMS to 76453 at the rate of N30 per message after which an acknowledgment message will be sent to the subscriber confirming receipt of the message.

Isa noted that at the closure of the contest, all pictures will be collated and examined with clarity, quality of pictures, use of colour and light and originality.

He added the subscribers with the highest score will be announced winner through voice call and SMS.

Zain Emerges ‘Best Overall Africa, ME Mobile Operator’

Leading mobile operator, Zain Nigeria’s parent company, Zain Group has been awarded the prestigious Best Overall Operator in Africa and Middle East at the annual CommsM

EA Awards 2008 organized by the regions foremost business-to-business telecoms publication.

Additionally, its Bahrain operation was selected as the Middle East Operator of the Year. The awards ceremony took place recently at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai with the judging panel comprising of international telecom professionals and regional industry peers.

The citation for Zain Group winning “Overall Operator of the Year,” said that the award was in recognition of the company leading the remarkable trend of mobile communications within the Middle East and Africa. The award also recognizes Zain’s rapid transition from a single mobile operator in Kuwait with 600,000 customers in 2002 to a major telecom conglomerate in the Middle East and Africa serving over 56 million customers in 22 countries. “Zain, whether in terms of its new vibrant brand, strategy and vision, financials, products and services, people, management, communication with and social support of the communities it serves, has earned its right to be among the top mobile operators on the globe.

On this prestigious award, Dr Saad Al-Barrak said, “This acknowledgment rewards and recognizes the dedicated efforts of our entire 16,000 workforce who have made Zain the successful company it is today. It is also an affirmation of the 3×3x3 expansion strategy we commenced back in 2003 aiming to be a top-ten global telecoms company by 2011.

Zain Group highlights over the past 12 months, to name a few, include: The further cementing and enhancing the new Zain brand across the Middle East and rebranding 14 operations in Africa from Celtel to Zain in August 2008.

* The successful acquisition of Iraqna in Iraq with over 3 million customers for $1.2 billion and the acquisition of Westel in Ghana for $120 million.

* Zain commenced operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on August 26 and in three months has attained over one million customers.

* Raising $4.5 billion from a capital increase despite the world economic turmoil

* Introducing One Network” to the Middle East in April and later connecting two continents in August encompassing 16 countries, 50 million customers and population coverage of 500 million people. This service is contributing to the economic and social well-being of many communities.

The citation for Zain Bahrain winning the Middle East Operator of the Year award noted, “Zain Bahrain has put the Kingdom of Bahrain on the global telecoms map by notching up several technological world firsts for its customers. It was selected for its consistent innovation and capacity to harness cutting-edge telecommunications technology in ways that are unique, customer-friendly and which make a significant difference to customer lifestyle for the better. In a short period of 5 years, the operation has attained nearly a 50% market share, quite an achievement against the once dominant incumbent operator.

Zain Bahrain General Manager Mohammed Zainalabedin said, “This award is especially significant as it comes to us on our fifth anniversary of operating in Bahrain. Since its inception Zain Bahrain has focused on bringing the best telecoms technology and service to our customers. Our continued growth and string of global firsts ranging from nationwide WiMAX to One Network borderless regional service have enriched lives in Bahrain and beyond.

He added, “By far our greatest success story has been our ability to tap into the potential of Bahrainis to manage our growth and technological success. Zain Bahrain is proud of its international team which brings the best of the industry to Bahrain and which is anchored in the talent of Bahrainis to take the company to great heights. I therefore accept this award in the name of all the Zain Bahrain team.

Glamour, Fun, Music At Zain, Dynamix All Youth Awards

Leading telecoms operator Zain Nigeria and frontline showbiz promoters, Dynamix rolled out the drums recently in a grand, entertaining style, to honour Nigerian youths at home and in the Diaspora with the hosting of Dynamix All Youth Awards.

The Dynamix All Youth Awards, an event, which drew a large crowd of Nigerian youths, had all the trappings of a high profile award celebration as it showcased, in abundant supply, first class entertainment, fun and glamour.

Indeed, popular entertainment spot, Planet One and Entertainment, Lagos, was a beehive of activities as youths, celebrities and some political figures swarmed the venue to identify with organizers of the show.  From the VIP area to the popular lounge, young persons donned in up-to-the-minute attires formed different clusters, chatting heartily in anticipation of the main awards.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Bisi Sosan declared the event open at about 8.45pm with a short, witty, extemporaneous speech. While commending Zain for joining forces with Dynamix to put together such a high profile awards, the Mother of the Day, urged Nigerian youths to continue to excel in their chosen area of endeavours, stating that working very hard brings celebration.

While stating that she was extremely proud to identify with Nigerian youths as well as the organizers of the show, the deputy governor commended all would be award recipients for blazing the trail, noting that mothers would be proud of their achievements.

The various categories for the award ranged from campus-related awards to various youth categories including: All universities’ personality of the year, Youth Professional of the year, Youth comedian of the year, Best Club Boy, Best Rave Party, Best Auto Mobile, Rump Shaker, Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Dancer and Young entrepreneur of the year, amongst others.

Specifically, the 2008 edition of the celebration featured 50 award categories. Winners that emerged at the award ceremony were Nkiru Ejimofor, University of Lagos (Most Beautiful Lady), Dope Girls, University of Lagos (Best Female Club), Biodun, Korode and friends, Babcock University (Click of Best Female Friends) musician, 9ice (Song of the Year), Funke Akindele (Best Male Actor), Gbemi (Radio Presenter of the Year), Jimi Dawodu (Mr. Personality), Tolu Momoh (Miss Personality), Que Roc Boiz, (Mr. Sophisticated, UK) and Mp MasterPlan (Most Promising Artiste) among several others.

Essentially, winners that emerged were drawn from tertiary institutions in the country.

Zain Nigeria’s Lampe Omoyele, Director, Segments and Roland Loetscher, Director, Marketing Services presented four awards’ categories including: Most Enterprising Youth of the Year, Most Intelligent Youth of the Year, Most Influential Youth of the Year and Best Clique of Friends 2008.

The show, which was hosted by pretty Ashionye Michelle Ugboh and Mofe Duncan, a 25 year old final year student of University of Lagos featured several musical performances and comedy.  Artistes that came on stage to thrill guests were D’Banj and the Mo Hits Crew, Sauce Kid, MP Master Plan, Mark J and Smokie among others. Naija Boy, MC Bash supplied comedy at the celebration.

Aside dance, music and comedy, the event featured other exciting activities such as the Zain Moment. This period provided an opportunity for guests to win free airtime from the leading telecoms operator as the compere, Mofe Duncan read out different recharge pins to the delight of guests.

Commenting on Zain’s Sponsorship of the awards, Norman Moyo, Chief Marketing Officer, Zain Nigeria said the award is another demonstration of the company’s unweaving commitment empowering Nigerian youths to realize their dreams, stressing that Zain will always look for innovative ways to motivate and delight young persons in the country.

Moyo further hinted that aside from providing a platform to recognize outstanding Nigerian youths, Zain is currently assisting musically gifted youths in the country to develop into bigger stars through music oriented projects like Advance Warning, Zain/Nigezie TRU Search, MTV Music Awards with Zain and Don’t Forget the Lyrics among several others.

Dynamix awards seek to honour distinct Nigerian students who have excelled locally and in the Diaspora. It also recognized youth entrepreneurs who have made a difference in the youth society, both at home and abroad.

Dynamix All Youth Award ceremony is a glamorous event, featuring a red carpet reception, cocktail and award presentation and a dazzling array of celebrities.

Prior to the event, a series of road shows and pre-awards parties were held to create the required awareness. The award ceremony will be aired on national television.

Nigeria: ZOOMmobile Rewards Subscribers with 75% Price Reduction

ZOOMmobile, Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications solutions provider has rewarded its subscribers with gifts as it announced about 75% price reductions in its premium products Motorola Q, Treo 700P, Treo 755P, Palm Centro and Samsung IP-830W.

Announcing this to the media, the Group Managing Director of ZOOMmobile, Mr. Tony Okonkwo explained that, “as stakeholder with you in the Nigerian project, and a significant player in the industry that has earned us laurels, and popular endorsements, your customer friendly telecom operator, ZOOMmobile, is proud to reward its subscribers this yuletide season and also share with Nigerians a bundle of attractive price reductions regime, in some of our products designed to excite our loyal and prospective subscribers as they contemplate coming on board.”

According to Okonkwo, “we are rewarding our loyal subscribers with a star prize of a KIA Car, which would be won in all our regional draws, motor cycles, washing machines, 42 inch LCD televisions, standing fans, generators and other gift items”. Adding that, “we are slashing price on these our products by more than 70%. From our Motorola Q, Treo 700P, Treo 755P, Palm Centro and Samsung IP-830W premium handsets to other highly dependable products, we are set to eliminate price as an issue for service acquisitions. With this in mind, we are offering all the listed phones at a flat rate of N14, 999. These smart phones make a perfect Christmas gift.”

He pointed out that these handsets are guaranteed to excite the user as they have unique features and versatility of functions that enable full browsing. They also come with data cable that synchronise it with Laptops/Desktop computers, mega pixel camera/video recorder, among several others.

He further disclosed that, “Motorola Q, Treo 700P, Treo 755P and Palm Centro support word, excel, windows media player, msn messenger, msn outlook, yahoo on windows operating system. All these translate to one thing: that with any of these phones you would be able to send and receive e-mails, transfer sound, data and pictures with and without cable connection, play sweet music as you are browsing while on the move and when you shut down the in-built Personal Computer, you can make and receive clear voice quality calls.”

It would be recalled that the company was recently honoured “CDMA Company of the Year” by Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, LEAD Award in recognition of its unrivalled service delivery.

Nigeria: Zain Hits African Telecommunication Award

Leading mobile phone operator, Zain has a reason to smile after it emerged winner at a recent Pan-African Telecommunications Awards ceremony. The company which is currently aggressively pushing for more
market share in its quest to become the number operator in Nigeria and Kenya was rewarded for outstanding performance by the Organisers of AfricaCom Awards in South Africa.

Zain scooped 2 awards, winning the Best Marketing campaign of the year and another with its first and best borderless network service at a ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Zain’s ‘One Network’ was recognised along with the company’s highly successful ads and simultaneous re-branding exercise in 14 African countries. This was also cited for the Best Pan-African Initiative
Campaign of the Year Award, recognising the world’s first borderless mobile network, which now links 16 countries across two continents

The awards by the highly respectable Awards committee of the Inaugural AfricaCom Awards is an approval seal for Zain’s marketing strategy which is generally seen as very successful across the continent.

Zain’s new corporate identity was launched seamlessly on August 1, 2008 in Africa, linking up activities in 14 countries in one day in the process, the first time ever in the continent.

Zain Africa CEO, Chris Gabriel, said “The renewed vigour and refreshed brand from Celtel to Zain had been affirmed by our existing and many new customers across the countries after the re-branding”.

In their citation, the judges commended Zain’s prowess in understanding the African landscape when it comes to consumer telecommunication. The company, operating in 22 countries, is the fourth largest network globally in terms of geographic presence and had by June 2008, over 50.74 million active customers in the Middle East and Africa.

The inaugural AfricaCom Awards were the highlight of Informa Telecoms & Media convention held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event brought together a total of 3,500 participants from
72 countries and a record 221 operator companies who have been attending the convention previously. The awards have been designed to recognise the achievements and success within the African communications market during the last 12 months.

Nigeria: 3 More Winners Emerge in Visafone Promo

Christmas arrived 2 weeks early for Pastor Mrs. Florence N. Toby, Mrs Zainab Salami and Mr. Emeka Igenaka, the latest subscribers on the Visafone network to emerge winners of brand new Kia Rio cars in the ongoing Visafone Fantastic Bonanza 12 cars in 12 weeks promo.

The winners were picked in the 3rd raffle draw in the series which held at the serene water front ambience of the Civic Center on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, December 11, 2008.

The three lucky subscribers bring to 8 the number of winners picked so far in the promo which commenced on the 13th of October, 2008 and will terminate on January 4, 2009.

To win in the promo, which will run till January 4, 2008 all you need do is buy and activate a Visafone handset and then ensure you recharge with at least N400 weekly to qualify for the weekly draws. For old subscribers all you need do is recharge with at least N400 weekly.

Visafone, which has consummate banker and ICT philanthropist Jim Ovia as founder, commenced commercial operations on February 22, 2008 and crossed the 1 million subscriber mark in an unprecedented 6 months and 4 days. The company currently has more than 2 million subscribers, garnered in less than 10 months of operation, and was recently voted Best Telecom Brand of the Year 2008 in a Telecom News/Phillip Consulting survey.

Nigeria: Zain Launches Mobile Services in Ghana

Zain, the leading mobile operator in 22 countries across the Middle East and Africa today announced the launch of commercial services in Ghana with the launch of the first 3.5G network on the continent outside South Africa.

Zain Ghana’s network will offer its customers ultra high-speed internet access and for the first time in Ghana the ability to make video-calls and use rich multimedia content including the ability to send video clips, music and pictures at the touch of a button. Zain’s 3.5G network will give Ghanaians a new lifestyle option. Today marks the launch in the country’s capital city, Accra with Zain having invested over US$ 420 million to date in rapidly rolling out the network across the country.

With the launch, Ghana brings the number of countries in which ‘One Network’ operates to 17. ‘One Network’ Zain’s borderless mobile service is available to over half a billion people across the Middle East and Africa - an area greater than the United States of America.

The service offers Zain customers favourable rates, free of roaming surcharges for cross-border communications. At launch, Ghanaian Zain customers can access the One Network service when travelling in Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Niger, Tanzania and Uganda with plans to be fully operational in all other ‘One Network’ countries by the end of the year.

Announcing the launch Zain Group CEO Dr Saad Al Barrak said, “We welcome Ghana to the Zain family. Ghana is important to Zain and we have invested heavily in bringing the latest technology to create the best network in West Africa. Through our pan-African presence and synergies in human resources, technologies, marketing and best business practices we assure the people of Ghana they will receive world-class telecommunication services.”

With Zain Ghana joining the ‘One Network’, Mr Chris Gabriel, CEO of Zain Africa added that “With thousands of people crossing Ghana borders daily from Burkina Faso and other Zain ‘One Network’ countries such as Nigeria and Niger, the One Network service will have a positive socio-economic impact on many as affordable cross-border communications offers the opportunity for loved ones to stay in touch, as well being an impetus in stimulating economic activity, improving the livelihoods of many communities.”

Prior to the launch, Zain Ghana undertook a highly successful pre-registration campaign allowing aspiring customers to be the first recipients of a Zain mobile number. The operation will have numerous customer contact points including walk-in centres that will be open till 8pm and call centres which are opened 24/7. The state-of-the-art call centre will offer service in English and 2 of the most widely spoken local groups of languages in West Africa, Akan and Hausa.

Philip Sowah, Country Manager for Zain Ghana commented “Customers are the driving force behind the organisation therefore customer care is one of the key pillars of Zain. Our goal is to focus on offering them appealing products, with a level of service that is second to none. Zain personnel have undergone extensive training in many areas and we are all keenly looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Zain celebrates its global presence and its vast customer base hence social responsibility is of great importance. Speaking at the launch Chris Gabriel, Zain’s CEO for Africa said, “In Ghana we are dedicated to partnering with the communities in which we operate to develop them. We will be working towards improving education through our Build Our Nation programme which we run in all the other African countries in which we operate. Under this we donate books and educational supplies to government owned schools. We will also be investing in sponsoring Ghana’s passion of music and culture.”

Zain is a key contributor to the Millennium Villages Project, an initiative which aims to help Ghana achieve its Millennium Development Goals. Zain will provide the technology to build a telecommunications network in the Millennium village in Bonsaaso in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region. This initiative brings mobile telephony and internet access to over 400,000 people in remote areas of Africa to enable them to improve the quality of their lives.

For more on Zain Ghana and its products and services, please visit www.gh.zain.com

Zain, Nigezie discovers “Real” Music Talent in TRU Search

27-year-old Henry Yire has emerged winner of the Zain TRU Search with Nigezie in Lagos. TRU Search is a music talent hunt competition targeted at young University students across Nigeria.

With a somewhat intimidating surname, Amrevurayire and a unique stage name, Blaq Sheep, the dark Warri boy, thrilled the Judges with a scintillating rendition of several classic tunes and laid back Hip Hop
flavours.

The judges comprising Disc Jockeys, Jimmy Jatt and America’s Hot 97
Radio Presenter, Banky Hype, showed no trace of doubt as they
unanimously declared Blaq Sheep the winner of the Lagos edition of the high profile musical contest which has gone round Nigeria.

Specifically, Banky Hype described the Higher National Diploma (HND)
Undergraduate of Yaba College of Technology as a real talent,
stressing that the young musician has all the potential to blossom
into a high profile artiste.

Even the first runner-up, Elizabeth Okenwa (Betty) echoed similar
sentiments, endorsing the Judges’ decision to crown Blaq Sheep as the winner. She said he held his own confidently and stylishly during the painful 48-hour search for a musical genius across tertiary
institutions in Lagos state.

“Close to 500 talents came out for the auditioning and we all went
through several screening stages to get to the final stage. We all
needed to brace up to face the ultimate test, making sure we wowed the judges with our voices, lyrics, performance skills and the like. To emerge winner after all the troubles, struggles and roadblocks is definitely something to cheer about. Blaq Sheep actually did very well and I commend him for putting up an astounding performance all through the contest,” Said Betty.

Interestingly, Blaq Sheep did not just play in the league of his peers
or fellow contestants. Organizers of the show, leading telecoms
operator, Zain and popular television outfit, Nigezie granted the
Building Technology student an opportunity to test his lyrical might
with popular lyricist, 9ice at the TRU Search Concert, an event held,
last weekend, at popular entertainment hangout, Planet One, Maryland, Lagos.

Norman Moyo, Chief Marketing Officer, Zain Nigeria said TRU Search
follows the recent launch of Zain’s youth package, TRU, a funky,
hybrid offer designed to fit the lifestyle of Nigerian youths, saying
that Zain aims to take the package to an amazing height with the
search for the best musical talents in tertiary institutions across
the country.

According to the company’s executive, students that emerge winners in the musical contest will enjoy several benefits including a stage performance with A-list artistes, an opportunity to have their songs included in Zain’s Central Station mix tape Compact Disc featuring some of Nigeria’s biggest artistes and distributed as a promotional item around Nigeria; and a five star makeover.

Zain’s TRU Search has crisscrossed major cities across the country
including tertiary institutions in Enugu and Ibadan and Jos. The train
will move Lagos, featuring a four day long, Town Storm, a two-day
auditioning period and climaxing with a major concert at Planet One,
Maryland, lagos.

Nigeria: Zain, British Council Outlines Strategies for CRM

Determined to stimulate and entrench a culture of first-rate customer care service in the country, leading mobile network operator, Zain and the British Council last week took managers of many businesses through a Customer Relationship Management course.

The course which was offered in several Nigerian cities under the Zain/British Council Management skills development programme, Management Express, focused on helping businesses, particularly, young managers and entrepreneurs, identify and acquire strategies for retaining customers and growing their organization efficiently.

The theme of the lecture series was Strategies for Customer Retention and Innovative Public Relation: Capturing the Consumer’s Attention. An internationally acclaimed Public Relations Specialist and Principal Lecturer at the prestigiou