Lagos CP Lauds Airtel For Support to Command

(L-R): Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos State, Alhaji Umar A. Manko, Mni 

and CEO and MD, Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop 

during the CP’s Visit to Airtel Nigeria…

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Umar A. Manko has commended Airtel Nigeria for partnering with the Lagos State Police Command to maintain peace and orderliness in the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop at the Airtel Headquarters in Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, Manko thanked Airtel for its support and assistance to the Lagos State Police Force, saying the Command values its cordial relationship with the telecommunications operator.

“I value the relationship the Lagos State Police Command has with Airtel Nigeria. That is why I decided to make Airtel my first place of courtesy call. Indeed, this is a testimony to the shared relationship with Airtel and I want to thank them for their assistance, thus far,” he said.

He urged Airtel to render more help in terms of mobile telecommunications partnership, saying this will go a long way in assisting the police deal with crime and other vices plaguing the society.

In his response, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop described the courtesy visit as a confirmation of the cordial relationship Airtel enjoys with the Lagos State Police Command, saying that Airtel always looks for opportunities to impact positively on the society.

“I am sure you will agree with me that the art of policing is a collective responsibility. Airtel appreciates this fact that is why we proactively engage the Lagos State Police Command and we are always willing to collaborate with them to promote public good.

“In the past, we have done quite a lot to support the Nigerian Police. At present, we also have quite a few projects with the Nigerian Police. And since policing is an on-going concern, we will continue to partner with the police to protect lives and property in Lagos, he said.

The Lagos State Police Commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Vincent Brown and Police DPO, Ikoyi, Aisha Haruna.

The Human Resources Director, Airtel Nigeria, Jubril Saba and Head, Security, Airtel Nigeria, Gbemileke Oladeni joined Swaroop to welcome the delegation from the Lagos State Police Command.

Symantec Survey Reveals Information Costs Businesses $1.1trillion

*Francis deSouza

Symantec, a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions has announced that information costs businesses worldwide $1.1 trillion annually, according to its first ever State of Information Survey.

From confidential customer information, to intellectual property, to financial transactions, organizations possess massive amounts of information that not only enable them to be competitive and efficient – but also stay in business.

Symantec’s Group President, Enterprise Products and Services, Francis deSouza stated that, digital information makes up 49 percent of an organization’s total value.

“The vast amount of information that organizations produce today can help them better serve their customers and increase productivity. However, the same information can also become a major liability if it is not properly protected. Companies that effectively use their information will have a major competitive advantage over those who cannot, and in some cases it can be the difference between success and failure,” he said.

deSouza further disclosed that, “with its increasing value and rising cost, successful companies will find ways to more effectively protect their information and unleash the productivity it can bring.” 

The survey revealed that, businesses of all sizes are dealing with enormous amounts of data. The total size of information stored today by all businesses is 2.2 zettabytes.

MTN Nigeria: Akingbade Out, Annetts In

*Bola Akingbade

After six years of obvious meritorious service, MTN Nigeria has announced the retirement of its Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Bola Akingbade effective June 30, 2012.

The retired CMO is to be replaced by Larry Annetts, an accomplished professional with more than 16 years cognate experience gained in multinational organizations.

Described as an experienced marketing strategist, Akingbade joined MTN after a distinguished career with Nigerian Breweries, where he rose to the position of Marketing Director. 

Akingbade’s wealth of experience and his contributions to the growth and success of MTN Nigeria and indeed the MTN Group have been of immense benefit to the GSM giant and are well documented.

It is on record that under his leadership of the Marketing & Strategy Division of MTN Nigeria, the company made significant strides including playing a significant role in growing the market share from 45 percent in 2006 to over 50 percent at the end of 2011 and entrenching MTN’s position as the number one brand in Nigeria.

Under Akingbade, the Marketing & Strategy Division contributed

Airtel, Arsenal FC Announce Partnership

*Airtel Africa Chief Marketing Officer, Andre Beyers

*Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal FC CEO

Arsenal Football Club and African mobile network operator Airtel have signed a three-year partnership agreement.
The deal provides Airtel with the opportunity to utilise the Club’s merchandising, hospitality and content rights in five markets: Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda.
Arsenal.com reports that the agreement will help the north London side reach some of its 42million fans across the continent.
On the other hand, Airtel customers in Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda will have the opportunity to win match tickets to watch this summer’s pre-season tour fixture and receive exclusive Club content and news direct to handsets. In addition to the agreement, Airtel will be designated as the official mobile operator of the 2012 Arsenal Tour to Nigeria.
Arsenal will also support the Airtel Rising Stars football programme, an annual grassroots training initiative that offers young boys and girls the opportunity to play football and compete in a safe environment. Airtel donates money for each goal scored at the tournament to support the players’ education to ensure those involved don’t only get best-in-class sports training and opportunities, but also have better opportunities to further their academic studies. The Gunners will provide UEFA-trained coaches to assist with training in each of the five markets and at an Arsenal Coaching Clinic for up to 50 footballers in London.
Arsenal’s Head of Global Partnerships Vinai Venkatesham added: “I am delighted to welcome Airtel into our family of Commercial Partners. This is the second long-term partnership arrangement to arise from the continent and we look forward to developing a number of exciting initiatives with Airtel, starting with our forthcoming tour to Nigeria in August. This underlines the depth of our following in Africa and how the profile of the Club continues to grow internationally.”
Airtel Africa Chief Marketing Officer, Andre Beyers added:  “Football fans across Africa are known for their passion of the great game. Arsenal’s exciting style of play and a history of working with the best talent from Africa will enrich this partnership and offer a wealth of opportunities for upcoming players and fans. The partnership provides an impetus to the Airtel Rising Stars in some of the countries that have produced amazing young talent and whose youth teams have gone on to win FIFA Youth and Olympic tournaments.’’
It is the Club’s inaugural pre-season tour of Nigeria, having played a fixture in South Africa in 1993. The 2012 visit will feature a game between the Arsenal first-team and the Nigerian National Team the Super Eagles on Saturday 5th August. Airtel is in the process of finalising arrangements that will give selected consumers in the five countries a chance to watch the match and interact with the team in Abuja.
The details of the promotion will be announced soon.