Telecom
Etisalat Pledges Support to Growth of SMEs
Lucas Dada, director, Business Segment at Etisalat Nigeria has reiterated his company’s support to the growth of small and medium enterprises in the country.
Dada who stated this at the last edition of the Etisalat Market Access for 2013 put together by Etisalat Nigeria, and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University, to support growth of small and medium enterprises, said Etisalat was particularly committed to building formidable SMEs in Nigeria, by creating capacity and opportunities for the young business owners to gain access to the larger market.
‘Being five years old ourselves, we recognize the importance of a strong start. Etisalat has achieved 16 million subscribers, since its launch in 2008, thanks to customer-focused strategies, innovation and diligence. We have realized that the small and medium enterprises run on their own steam and so there is need for platforms that bring them in contact with big businesses and executives from various sectors. They can network and build partnerships from here. From our previous sessions across the country, we have produced success stories of entrepreneurs who expanded their network and went ahead to clinch contracts. The Etisalat Market Access is about adding value to the small business owner and in the long run, building Nigeria’s economy,’ he said.
Dada disclosed that Etisalat Nigeria had developed the network’s Easybusiness service platform and the new Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt, specifically with the young and upcoming entrepreneurs in mind. ‘Easybusiness is a Close User Group (CUG) for business owners so they can spend less on contacting employees and suppliers.
They can register up to 100 employees in the CUG, call as many customers as they want with no restrictions and even send free SMS.
The Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt on the other hand is an initiative launched to empower SMEs with grants worth N20 million, free training at the EDC, office equipment and mobile devices. Easybusiness from Etisalat aims to help entrepreneurs realise their business ideas.
At Etisalat, we believe SME is the bedrock of leading economies and it is our duty to contribute our quota to the economy by nurturing emerging business owners,’ he said.
Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, director general of the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), represented at the event by Oguche Agudah, Special Assistant (access to finance) to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the significance of Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) in the growth, productivity and competitiveness of the economies of developing countries is unquestionable.
‘Not only do they provide employment and income for the bulk of the population, they have been acknowledged as critical breeding and nurturing grounds for domestic entrepreneurial capacities, technical skills, technological innovativeness and managerial competencies for private sector development. Consequently, I want to specifically express my appreciation to Etisalat Nigeria, the EDC, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other stakeholders for supporting and putting this innovative and important forum together for the benefit of small and growing businesses in Lagos,’ he said.
Young and upcoming entrepreneurs across Nigeria have come to accept the Etisalat Market Access as a platform that helps them expand their network, learn how to grow their businesses and showcase their emerging businesses to other business owners, potential clients and leaders from various sectors of the economy.
MTN Nigeria has partnered with CardCentre Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Chams HoldCo, to introduce eco-friendly SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable materials.
The launch, which took place in Lagos, targets the reduction of plastic waste across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
According to the statement releasedy, the new SIM cards are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and produced using recyclable components and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
“They meet global sustainability standards while maintaining the performance expected by telecom users,” the statement said.
It added that Tobe Okigbo, chief Corporate Services and Sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, stated, that ”the partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also supporting local businesses and economic growth through strategic alliances.”
In his remarks, Lekan Latona, chief executive officer, CardCentre, said: “We are proud to collaborate with MTN Nigeria on this project. Our biodegradable SIM cards mark an important step toward a greener future for telecommunications.”
Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a landmark breakfast meeting that spotlighted the transformative power of media in fostering bilateral ties.
Held under the theme “Media as a Bridge: Strengthening Nigeria-South Africa Ties through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP)”, the event drew a dynamic mix of business leaders, academics, and media professionals.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the MIP as a strategic tool for diplomacy, designed to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation.
He emphasized the value of the programme’s study tour in South Africa, which offers Nigerian journalists immersive exposure. “If Nigeria and South Africa can get their act together, the rest of the continent will follow,” Okigbo remarked, hinting at MTN’s plans to scale the initiative across Africa.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of NSACC, hailed the MIP as a tangible example of innovation in action. She underscored the media’s role as a “catalyst for development,” especially in shaping public discourse and cross-border partnerships.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed the need for rigorous training in journalism. He praised the collaboration between academia and industry, noting that ethical and contextual reporting is essential for meaningful impact.
A highlight of the event was a panel featuring MIP fellows—Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV), Oluwadunsin Sanya (BellaNaija), Nifemi Oguntoye (TVC News), and Akinkunmi Obakeye (CNBC Africa)—who shared how the programme reshaped their understanding of South Africa. Their stories revealed a shift from stereotypes to shared values and deeper connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NSACC’s 25th anniversary logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity for its members.
As NSACC enters its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging media as a bridge between Nigeria and South Africa—two powerhouses whose unity could redefine the African narrative
Telecom
MTN Nigeria, WWF/NCF, and UNDP Launch 2025 PachiPanda Challenge to Drive Youth-Led Environmental Innovation
In a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has officially launched the 2025 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
Part of the continental Africa PachiPanda Challenge, this initiative calls on young Nigerians aged 18–35 and youth-led SMEs to develop groundbreaking solutions addressing pollution, climate change, and community conservation. With the theme “Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security,” the challenge aims to empower eco-visionaries to reshape Nigeria’s environmental future.
Ten finalists will be selected for a transformative 3-day sprint event, featuring human-centered design workshops, masterclasses, and a high-stakes pitch session before a panel of industry experts. Winners will advance to the continental stage, representing Nigeria in the Africa-wide competition.
Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, described the challenge as “a green opportunity” for youth to channel creativity into impactful change.
Dr. Joseph Onoja of NCF emphasized the power of collaboration, while UNDP’s Dr. William Tsuma highlighted the challenge’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement—one that seeks to ignite innovation, foster sustainability, and amplify youth voices in shaping a resilient future.
Applications close on October 3, 2025.
Interested participants can apply at: www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge
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