Authentic: Etisalat Nigeria is now 9mobile

ITRealms:

The Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), trading as Etisalat Nigeria has proclaimed a change of name to the brand, to be known now as 9mobile, reports ITRealms.

EMTS also revealed Thursday that the latest change would not affect negatively on customers of else while Etisalat or operations in the country.

Sources close to EMTS management, while confirming this development, said that the change was part of efforts to fast-track the pace of effort at stabilizing the telecom operator in the past week over takeover by some 13 banking institutions in Nigeria led by Access Bank Plc.

ITRealms gathered that the new name emerged after some two-hour marathon debate resulting in its adoption by majority of the new board led by Dr. Joseph Nnanna.

Equally, ITRealms gathered, the name ‘9Mobile’ is being communicated to all staff across the country as at the time of going to the press.

Etisalat Nigeria until its recent financial crisis prides itself as having some 21 million subscribers and counts as the forth mobile operator with over 14 per cent market share in the nation’s telecom sector.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Why Hakeem Bello-Osagie resigned from Etisalat Nigeria

ITRealms:

A new insight into why the else while chairman of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Hakeem Bello-Osagie resigned his position has been attributed to pressures from purported friends in the banking industry, reports ITRealms.

Information reaching ITRealms news desk, showed that the approval of a restructuring plan for the telecommunications firm.

The former chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), was the remaining shareholder in the embattled mobile network operator, Etisalat Nigeria which is operated the Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS) with some 15 per cent of the equity holding.

Etisalat is under facility burden worth $1.2 billion, about N377.4 billion loan repayment crunch involving some 13-bank consortium led by Access Bank plc.

ITRealms recalls that penultimate Thursday, the major shareholder in Etisalat Nigeria, the Emirates Telecommunications Group, proclaimed a quit on the investment with effect from June 15, this year.

Sources close to Bello-Osagie, informed ITRealms that definitely he felt betrayed by his banking folks with the manner the banks were struggling to take over Etisalat.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Travelling along my path

ForTheRecords@ITRealms:

Permit me to stand on the already existing protocol. Good day to you all. It is a privilege that I stand before this assembly of great men and women of great accomplishments. I thank DigitalSENSE Africa Media and Etisalat Nigeria for giving me this rare opportunity to stand before you and make this presentation.

As I was gearing up for my 2^nd semester examinations in first year, in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I was informed by my elder brother that DigitalSENSE is organizing an essay contest in partnership with Etisalat Nigeria. The essay competition, he said, is for Nigerian undergraduates. We were a bit hesitant about writing for the contest because of the impending examinations. I needed a laptop and that was enough reason to make an entry. Then, I had no laptop and no hope of affording any soon. As a student of the Electronic Engineering, I needed a laptop. I made out time and wrote an essay on the topic “Net Neutrality and Nigerian Internet Users”.

In the wee hours of July 17, 2015, I woke up to the news that I have been adjudged the best entrant and therefore awarded the star prize. It was the laptop I needed plus a full year internet access provided by Etisalat. It was unbelievable! My first prize as an undergraduate. My siblings (two elder brothers and a younger sister) are seasoned essayists and have won several awards. I couldn’t wait to open my own record! It’s a realization of my hard work since 2011, when I ventured into writing. Even though I was shortlisted as one of the finalists in the 2012 UBA national essay competition, clinching this star prize was a dream come true. 

We have grasped the opportunities that internet has given us. We owe the internet a whole lot. When I was interviewed on my position about internet governance last year, I decried the below average level of awareness on internet governance. Fast forward to 2016 and if you ask me the same question, my answer still remains the same. This makes this forum a very vital one. I thank DigitalSENSE for organizing such event with far reaching results. And I want to commend and urge Etisalat Nigeria to continue her partnership with DigitalSENSE Media Africa; it is a working partnership. We need to know who governs the internet and how it is governed. Does its governance take a hit on the founding philosophy of the internet which is open access to all? The questions are unending.

As part of my recognition as the star prize winner of this highly Etisalat sponsored prize last year, I was scheduled to attend the 2015 NIGF conference in Abuja where I was to represent the DigitalSENSE Media Africa and Etisalat. Part of my presentation today therefore, is to highlight my experience in that conference, and that’s what I will narrate now.

 Having been registered for the 2015 NIGF conference scheduled to hold at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Kado, Abuja, I had to attend both the youth workshop on the 20^th of July, and the plenary sessions on the 21^st of July as a DigitalSENSE-Etisalat Student Ambassador. This particular opportunity was mouth-watering and I lack words to express my feelings. The youth workshop was fully packed with educative and inspiring topics aimed at redirecting the mind-sets of our youth and help propel them to a greater height—an enviable one. The youth workshop was tagged “Internet of Everything & Your Business Opportunity”. The entire session was directed at exposing the youth to the endless and unceasing opportunities that abound with the right use of the internet. And yesterday we were here to have a discourse on “Internet Governance: Creating Opportunities for all Nigerians”. Such discourse has an infinite end.

The joy of the internet is optimized when the internet is totally freed of this thieves that have besieged it. Have you been redirected for once to any unintended website? Our internet sphere is very porous. And that is why DigitalSENSE role as the front burner and leader in the call for a better secured internet protocol is highly commendable. Nigerian addresses are very suspicious in the global community, no thanks to our internet burglars—the notorious yahoo yahoo boys. I was privileged to join the track that deliberated extensively on the issue of cybersecurity and trust in Nigeria, during the NIGF conference. We made different recommendations that when put in place, our cyberspace would be a safe haven. But IPv6 holds the key, our continued use of IPv4 is just an exhibit of our backwardness in the ICT world. We will be exposed to why IPv6 is the only way forward during today’s event.

Ladies and gentlemen, you need no soothsayer to tell you that I have benefitted from the partnership of DigitalSENSE and Etisalat. I have roamed the internet with great ease with the monthly 3GB Etisalat data that I receive monthly. Roaming the internet has also afforded me several opportunities that I have been able to grip. Suffice it to say that I am a testimony of the efficacy of this partnership. Giving more opportunities to young minds like me might just be the beginning of a better Nigeria that we wish. I have a great ambition of being an Etisalat intern in two years’ time, and I hope that this partnership which I have enjoyed will facilitate the actualisation of this well coveted dream.

Well, I flew to Lagos on the 22^nd of July, 2015, for the prize presentation scheduled to hold on 24^th July, 2015. That of course was after the two-day conference in Abuja. It was to hold at Etisalat office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Let me introduce you to another interesting development in the competition. My immediate elder brother who is a seasoned essayist was the first runners up in the competition. Join me in thanking him for bringing the essay competition to my knowledge and allowing me to beat him. He and other winners were to join me in Lagos for the prize presentation. There, we were given Etisalat T-shirts and were even called to the high table. It was exciting, seeing myself sitting with men of high calibre. It was inspiring! I received a Lenovo laptop with Etisalat-Easyblaze Mifi with one full year of internet subscription; I departed Lagos on 25^th July, 2015, with a life changed for good—an experience that changed my life forever! My classmates call me 20M, please Etisalat what does the M signify, million or metres? I have failed to give any answer to that question since July 2015.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am back again in Lagos in June, 2016. I was supposed to make this presentation 24hrs earlier. As I was working on this speech, I received an SMS alert from the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (UNILORIN chapter). Guess what, I have won the first prize of the essay competition they organised for the whole engineering students throughout this federation. I had to attend the award ceremony yesterday. My first time in Ilorin. Who knows whether I will be in Lagos next year? I wish I remain part of this DigitalSENSE/Etisalat partnership.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am meant to share my experience with you. In sum, what I experienced, is a dream come true! Believing that the next ambassador will not have less an exciting tenure, I pray, not just that ETISALAT continues to sponsor and expand this essay competition, but that corporate bodies in the ICT industry key-into this project, which I am sure will have a multiplier effect on the technological development of this country in the nearest future. Thank you ETISALAT for sponsoring this competition, thank you DigitalSENSE for finding me worthy of this prize, and thank you ladies and gentlemen, for listening to my little story. Thanks.

*Courtesy: Nic Onah, the Star Prize Winner, 2015 Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Students Essay Competition, made this presentation at the 2016 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable in Lagos.

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Etisalat sponsored kiddies show returns for season 2

ITRealms:

The Etisalat Nigeria supported children television show series ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things’ powered by Cliqlite, has returned for season 2, reports ITRealms.

The Season 2 auditions, ITRealms gathered would hold on Saturday, 28th May 2016 at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos.

Head, Events & Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani, the company’s association with the show for a second season is a platform for children to express themselves and give them a voice.  This season, the focus is to encourage parents to allow their talented children to shine as stars. 

“At Etisalat are committed to reaching different segments of our customer base using relevant channels and initiatives. With Kids Say the Darndest Things, we are connecting with Nigerian children and their parents and providing a platform to see life from the eye of the Nigerian child.  The intelligence of children in this digital era is beyond what we had in the past, and as an innovative brand, we want to work together with these children and their parents to help discover their smart, witty and humorous sides as well as enable them shine. “

The maiden edition of the show was hosted by actor, producer, Disc Jockey and America's favorite sidekick on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tony Okungbowa. Okungbowa starred in, and produced the film, "Mother of George", "Restless City" and the soon to be released, “Echo Park” which was an official selection at the Los Angeles Film fest 2014.

The television show, which has enjoyed popularity and rave reviews in various markets like Australia, Singapore, India and Italy, was launched in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2015, with the original format adapted to the Nigerian market. The theme of the show is “Let Your Little Star Shine Bright”.

Parents are required to register by sending their child’s full name and age to 39603 using their Etisalat lines.

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Etisalat boosts primary education in North East with kits

ITRealms:

In efforts towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on education in the country, Etisalat Nigeria, has partnered with a non-governmental organisation, Abuja Global Shapers Community and the Governments of North-Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa to provide free educational support to primary school pupils in the states, reports ITRealms.

The initiative tagged, “Community School Support Programme (CSSP)” features donation of Back-to-School kits, including school uniforms and bags, to pupils drawn from 10 primary schools in the states.

This, ITRealms gathered, is part of the company’s multi-faceted CSR programme that is committed to giving value to communities through various intervention programmes covering education, health, among others.

The benefiting schools are Yerwa Practising Primary School, Abbaganaram Primary School and Bulumkutu Primary School all in Borno State; Katuzu Community School, Gashua, Central Primary School, Potiskum and Lawan Kawuri Primary School, Geidam, all in Yobe State; and, Wuro Hausa Primary School, Yola Town, Community School, Demsa and Tudun Wada Primary School, Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State.

Speaking at the formal presentation of the kits to these schools in Maiduguri, Borno state on Monday, the Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, said the partnership is intended to enhance ongoing efforts aimed at making basic education available and sustainable.

Mr. Dikko, who was represented by the company’s Head, Government and Community Relations, Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf, reiterated the commitment of the telecommunications giant to sustainable development initiatives that impact on the wellbeing of the populace across various sectors.

“Etisalat Nigeria is committed to delivering sustainable community support programmes that will complement public services and extend benefits to the grassroots across Nigeria. We are proud to be able to contribute positively to achieving the objective of improving our partner states especially in the area of Education. We will continue to collaborate to move the states and indeed the nation forward,” he assured.

Also speaking, the Borno State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Musa Inuwa Kobo represented by the Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Education, commended Etisalat for pursuing causes that serve the interest of the societies in which it operates. He identified investment in education as one fundamental way to secure a progressive future while advancing the cause of the larger society.

“Today, if we are not mindful of the education sector, tomorrow, we will have incompetent lawyers and as a result, people will lose their liberty, we are going to have incompetent doctors, and as a result, people will lose their lives, we are going to have incompetent engineers  and as result, bridges will collapse, roads will fail. If we are to be called a civilized society, we should take time and make sacrifices for the future. This is the lesson Etisalat is teaching us. Etisalat as a corporate organisation is mindful of its social responsibility,” he said.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Pix: (L-R) Head, Government and Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Mohammed Suley-Yusuf; Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Education and Member, Borno State Education Board, Engr. Mohammed Gamboni presenting to a pupil of Yerwa Practising Primary School, Borno, one of the Back-to-School kits donated by Etisalat Nigeria in Maiduguri on Monday.

Etisalat offers amazing data bundle with EasyFlex evolution package

ITRealms:

Etisalat Nigeria is offering amazing data bundle with the introduction of “Easyflex Evolution” to customers, reports ITRealms.

EasyFlex, ITRealms gathered is a tailor-made plan that offers customers amazing data bundles and as much as 3 times value on their talk time.

Also, Etisalat said the offer is in the spirit of the company’s commitment to constantly give value to its customers, by offering them convenient plans, affordable tariff structures and quality services that enhance customers’ personal and business endeavours.

Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone, said the Easyflex Evolution package  comes in two variants, namely the “Data+” plan which offer data bundle and talktime and the “Voice+” plans which offers up to 3 times value on talk time with a data plan. Etisalat subscribers can also make international calls and SMS on both variants.

“Our goal is to continue to offer our customers innovative products and services that speak directly to their needs. We want to assure all our customers that we will continue to pursue our brand vision of providing unique solutions that connect people to limitless opportunities,” he said.

Angelone further said that the EasyFlex package has gone through a series of reformulations in Etisalat’s resolve to provide cutting edge services and added value to its customers. He added that Etisalat customers can purchase any of the Easyflex Voice+ or Data+ bundles by dialing the USSD code *320#.

To add an exciting twist to the launch, a sensational advertising television commercial entitled the ‘Evolution’ was released. This TVC features Nollywood Actress, Genevieve Nnaji and British-Nigerian Actor, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, both Etisalat ambassadors.

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Etisalat elevates Dairo, Ogiemwanye, Uwaoma to Directors

ITRealms:

Etisalat Nigeria, Monday announced the elevation of three heads of departments to the position of directors, reports ITRealms.

Those elevated are Adeolu Dairo as Director, Consumer Segment, Elvis Ogiemwanye as Director, Brand & Experience and Eric Uwaoma as Director, Enterprise Segment.

Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Francesco Angelone, confirmed this, saying “over the years, Adeolu, Elvis and Eric have played pivotal roles in driving many of our positive customer and market results.”

He also said that the appointments followed a rigorous process, focused on identifying and selecting the best internal talents within the organisation and will further support the company in the delivery of innovative products and services to meet the demands of its customers.

He pointed out that Adeolu Dairo was previously Head, Customer Value Management (CVM) where he was responsible and instrumental in deepening Etisalat’s organizational capability in marketing and customer analytics. In his new role as Director, Consumer Segment, he will lead his team in articulating and implementing the key pillars of Etisalat’s marketing strategy in the High Value, Mass market and Youth Segments.

Elvis Ogiemwanye, he said, was previously Head, Youth Segment where he successfully worked with his team to build Etisalat’s youth brand (EasyCliq) as well as develop the teen segment (Cliqlite). As Director, Brand & Experience, he will assume overall responsibility for execution of strategies that enhance the Etisalat brand value and equity as well as customers’ experience across all touch-points.

Whereas, Eric Uwaoma was previously Head, Enterprise Sales where he played a pioneering role in setting up Etisalat’s Enterprise team, from recruiting experienced sales executives, to developing processes and growing the company’s share of the business market. In his role as Director, Enterprise Segment, Eric will be responsible for leading the entire Enterprise function – including sales, marketing, and after-sales support – to continuously improve Etisalat’s share and profitability among all business customers across the country.

“These appointments reflect the fact that, as an organization, Etisalat remains committed to growing its people through careers that meaningfully build on experiences – including work-related challenges, opportunities, and achievements – to prepare talented employees for more responsibility even as the business evolves,” he said.

The CMO maintained that Etisalat is committed to empowering individuals and our communities to empower the nation just as he looks forward to the benefits of the transforming leadership that will follow these new appointments.

@ITRealms

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Pix: Uwaoma+Eric and Dairo, newly promoted director @ Etisalat Nigeria

Etisalat outlines factors for full financial inclusion in Nigeria

ITRealms:

Etisalat Nigeria, the most innovative telecommunications operator, has identified four enabling factors that could facilitate the achievement of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s goal for full digitization of the financial services sector, reports ITRealms. 

Director, Digital Business, Etisalat Nigeria, Adia Sowho, made the assertion during the week while speaking on Financial Inclusion & Digital Financial Services at the 2016 eWorld Forum organised by Ajomedia, publishers of e-World Magazine in partnership with Etisalat Nigeria.

The factors include interoperability of standards for money exchange across operators, agents and products, agent cum merchant distribution network that accepts and processes clients’ transactions, technology platform or avenue by which digital financial services are being provided to the target customers and product variety which addresses key pain points and creates value in the community.

Speaking further, the Etisalat director, also called on relevant stakeholders in the digital financial services ecosystem to evolve ways that could help them remain relevant, just as she assured on the commitment of her company to seeking and creating more innovative ways to create value for consumers. 

She said, “Research results show that only 12 per cent are doing mobile banking while online banking has just 18 per cent of the population. This is a long road to our destination, and it calls for a strategic approach that involves the collaboration of all stakeholders. There must be regulatory interventions in place to foster the right conditions for increased collaboration. The banks must see and work towards the greater need for client-centric and digital mind set to increase customer base and deposits while reducing cost to acquire and serve. On our part, we are committed to efforts that will drive SmartPhone and broadband penetration to enhance the experience of customers who are expected to carry out financial services.”

It would be recalled that Etisalat Nigeria recently beat twenty one other entries to win the 2016 MobileMoneyExpo Kalahari Financial Inclusion Product of the Year Award for its contribution to the growth of the financial sector of the economy through its mobile money product, GTeasysavers. This product is  a joint effort of Etisalat Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank that seeks to make savings and financial inclusion easier for everyone.

Nkemdilim Nweke/GEE

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Pix: 1: (R-L) Director, Digital Business, Etisalat Nigeria, Adia Sowho speaking at the eWorld Forum 2016 sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria in partnership with eWorld magazine in Lagos on Thursday. With her is Conference Committee Chairman, Nigeria Computer Society, Jide Awe, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Tony Ajobo and Chairman, ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo at the eWorld Forum 2016 sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria in partnership with eWorld Magazine in Lagos.

Pix 2: (R-L) Etisalat Nigeria’s Oluwaseun Omotosho, Manager, Mobile financial services and Director, Digital Business, Adia Sowho; Convener, eWorld Forum 2016, Aaron Ukodie; Etisalat Nigeria’s Head, Environment Compliance & Public Relations, Oluseyi Osunsedo and Manager, Public Relations, Chineze Amanfo at the eWorld Forum 2016 sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria in partnership with eWorld Magazine in Lagos.

 

Etisalat denies filing multiple suits against NCC, MTN

ITRealms:

Etisalat Nigeria, has denied some reports making round which claimed that the telco filed multiple suits against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and MTN Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

In an official press statement made available to ITRealms, Etisalat said, “Our attention has been drawn to misleading insinuations making the rounds in the media that Etisalat Nigeria has filed multiple suits against the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and MTN Nigeria. The insinuations have arisen largely from a press statement reportedly issued by MTN Nigeria and published by some print organisations and online media platforms under the headline, “MTN confirms legal fireworks with Etisalat over Visafone.”

Also, Etisalat Nigeria said, its compelled to set the facts straight on the intent and status of the legal action it instituted against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and MTN Nigeria in July 2015, due to the misrepresentation of facts about the case as contained in some print and online media reports of Wednesday 9, February 2016.

“Etisalat wishes to state categorically that at no time were multiple suits filed either against the NCC or MTN on the same matter as insinuated. Etisalat wishes to affirm that the current litigation against MTN Nigeria and Visafone is on a completely different issue. It is germane to state for clarity that the current litigation is not pricing or tariff related. The suit under reference was instituted by Etisalat Nigeria against MTN Nigeria and Visafone Ltd to challenge MTN’s use of the 800MHz spectrum following the acquisition of Visafone. It is therefore materially different in intent from the former action.

“The current action is considered necessary, as it will entrench the dominance of MTN in the retail data services market. It would be recalled that MTN Nigeria was declared dominant by the Nigerian Communications Commission ‘NCC’ in 2013 and remains dominant in the wholesale leased line and retail voice markets.  The use of the 800MHz spectrum to deploy broadband services ahead of its competitors, particularly those who prior to MTN’s purchase of Visafone, held similar spectrum bands as MTN, will further entrench MTN’s dominance in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.

“Sometime in 2015, Etisalat Nigeria’s attention was drawn to a waiver granted by NCC to MTN Nigeria to offer a 30% differential between its on-net and off-net retail tariffs, contrary to the obligation imposed on MTN Nigeria under the Determination of Dominance. 

Etisalat Nigeria thereafter filed an action against NCC and MTN Nigeria seeking a reversal of the waiver as it was in contravention of the subsisting obligation imposed on MTN Nigeria under the Determination of Dominance.

“In response to Etisalat Nigeria’s legal action, NCC filed processes stating categorically that it had directed MTN Nigeria “to maintain status quo of the dominant obligation, that is, to revert to maintaining parity between on-net and off-net tariff charges with immediate effect”. This was effectively a reversal of the waiver that Etisalat Nigeria had challenged in that particular suit. 

“Consequently, Etisalat Nigeria filed a notice of discontinuance in the suit and withdrew the action in December 2015, because the objective of the suit had been accomplished. The latest legal action is therefore materially different in intent from the former and the recent insinuations are therefore misleading and unfortunate to say the least,” Etisalat officials posited.  

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