For its consistency in pioneering innovation in the telecoms industry and in recognition of its efforts at building a pan Nigeria 3.75G internet network coverage, Airtel Nigeria has been named the Telecoms Company of the Year 2012 by foremost celebrity magazine, City People.
Newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the leading telecommunications services provider, Segun Ogunsanya, was also named the CEO of the Year for his inspirational leadership and past achievements at leading multinational organizations to attaining business success.
The honours were bestowed on Airtel on Sunday at a colourful celebration that attracted hundreds of renowned politicians, A-list multinational organizations, celebrities, entrepreneurs and societal bigwigs.
The event was held at Balmoral Hall, Oregun, Lagos.
A citation read in honour of Airtel at the occasion, commended the telecoms operator for blazing the trail and for revolutionizing the telecommunications sector in Nigeria with groundbreaking value offerings, innovative services and for covering Nigeria with the widest and largest 3.75G Network.
The event organizers also lauded Airtel for implementing a robust Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at uplifting underprivileged children in the country.
The Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Airtel Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava, received the award on behalf of the company and thanked the organizers for creating a highly respected awards’ platforms in honour of outstanding achievements in the Nigerian society. Srivastava also used the opportunity to assure telecoms consumers at the occasion that Airtel was committed to maintaining its position as true innovation pioneers in the Nigerian telecoms industry.
He said: “At Airtel, we value our customers and this premium we place on customers has influenced most of our big decisions.
“Indeed, we have moved first to cover Nigeria with the widest and largest 3.75G coverage and we have also recently announced several milestones, including the successful completion of Long Term Evolution (4G) trial in Lagos, just as we have unveiled several innovative service offerings, including the highly sought after High Definition Voice Service.”
The Vice President, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah, received the CEO of Year Award on behalf of Ogunsanya.
Describing Ogunsanya’s leadership style as transformational and inspiring, Oparah noted that Airtel is committed to empowering exceptional Nigerian talents as evident in the company’s appointment of a Nigerian MD and CEO.
He said: “Airtel is in Nigeria for the long haul and it is committed in empowering highly talented Nigerian professionals.
“As you know, Airtel is the only major telecoms services provider in Nigeria with a Nigerian CEO and a very high representation of Nigerian professionals at the company’s Executive Committee.
“Without a doubt, this demonstrates Airtel’s commitment to Nigeria and illustrates the company’s confidence in local professionals.
“We are happy that City People has recognized this fact and bestowed this great honour on our company.”
The 2013 City People’s Award was attended by several top politicians, including a delegation from the House of Representatives, the Ogun State Government, the Niger State government, the Oyo State government and the Lagos State Government.
The Airtel team to the awards was led by Srivastava; Oparah; CEO of Blueflower Communications, Chido Nwakanma; CSR Manager, Chinda Manjor; and PR Managers, Erhumu Bayagbon and Nsikan Umoh.
