Telecom
MTN in Court to Challenge Order to Shut Down Internet in eSwatini
MTN, the main mobile network operator in eSwatini, was ordered by the government there to cut access to the Internet and social media.
The MTN Group has gone to court in an attempt to reopen the Internet in the kingdom of eSwatini.
eSwatini, officially the Kingdom of eSwatinii, sometimes written in English as eSwatini, and formerly and still commonly known in English as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.
It confirmed that it received a directive on 29 June 2021 from The Eswatini Communications Commission to MTN Eswatini and other operators to suspend access to social media and online platforms until further notice.
“After carefully assessing the directive, and in line with its licence conditions and the Group’s digital human rights due diligence framework, MTN Eswatini implemented the directive,” the MTN Group said.
However, it is now one of several respondents in an urgent court application in Eswatini which seeks, among other measures, the immediate restoration of internet services in the country.
“MTN Eswatini continues to engage with relevant stakeholders to limit the duration of the service disruption and is reviewing the details of the court application in consultation with its advisers,” it said in a statement.
“MTN Group is committed to respecting human rights and endeavours to protect the rights of all people who use our services in the jurisdictions in which we operate in accordance with globally defined standards. Our approach to digital human rights is underpinned by a sound policy and due diligence framework and is managed through multi-disciplinary teams across our markets.”
Claims of at least 21 people killed by eSwatini’s security forces during pro-democracy protests came at the same time as initial reports of the Internet being shut and a curfew imposed. The protests started peacefully in Manzini on June 20, but have since turned violent.
Lucky Lukhele, spokesperson for Swaziland Solidarity Network, told SAFM last week that the Government of eSwatini had shut down Internet connections in the country in response to protesters calling for regime change.
Earlier, according to SAFM, the government there released a statement dismissing reports that King Mswati III had fled the country.
The South African government yesterday expressed concern at the political and security crisis, calling for the right to peaceful protest to be recognised.
“We are particularly concerned by reports of loss of life and destruction of properties,” said Clayson Monyela, Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson.
“The right to peaceful protest is universally recognised,
“The South African government calls on the security forces to exercise total restraint and protect the lives and property of the people, in keeping with the country’s constitutional provisions and laws. In addition, South Africa urges all political actors and civil society to engage in meaningful dialogue in order to resolve the current political challenges facing the country.”
Meanwhile, the Institute for Democracy and Leadership (Ideal), along with various youth organisations, filed an urgent high court application on Thursday to force the government and MTN, and the state-owned eSwatini Mobile and eSwatini Telecommunications Corporation to reinstate the internet.
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has launched an exciting new lottery service — Glo Play Up — designed to blend fun, anticipation, and the prospect of life-changing rewards for its subscribers.
Glo Play Up offers Nigerians a simple yet thrilling opportunity to turn small predictions into multi-million-naira wins. The game invites subscribers to pick a lucky number between 1 and 9 for a chance to strike gold.
To participate, Glo customers simply dial *400# or send their chosen number via SMS to 400. Each entry costs just ₦100, and players can either subscribe daily or play on demand — whenever inspiration strikes.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom described the initiative as more than just a game of chance, but a celebration of hope and possibility.
“We understand the optimism and adventurous spirit of Nigerians,” the company explained. “People love to dream, play, and believe in the power of that one big win. Glo Play Up makes that dream more attainable — it’s easy to play, affordable, and truly rewarding.”
Every Friday at 4 p.m., a weekly draw will take place at Glo’s Head Office, where ten lucky subscribers will each receive ₦1 million. In addition, a grand prize winner will be announced monthly, walking away with an impressive ₦10 million. Winners will be hosted at their nearest Glo Regional Office, and all cash prizes will be credited directly into their MoneyMaster Wallet accounts.
With Glo Play Up, entertainment meets empowerment — reinforcing Globacom’s commitment to innovation, connection, and customer delight. The service not only promises excitement but also the possibility of transforming lives through rewarding experiences.
For more information, visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/glo-play-up-lottery
Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, managing director/chief executive officer, Galaxy Backbone (GBB) on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, received Dr. Bello Bawa Bwari, director-general, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), and his team on a courtesy visit to the company’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to explore areas of collaboration that align with their shared vision of leveraging technology to enhance governance, operational efficiency, and national development.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Adeyanju introduced Galaxy Backbone’s mandate and achievements in expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and deepening connectivity across government institutions.
The NBMA Director-General, Dr. Bwari, commended GBB for its role in driving the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and shared insights into the agency’s work in ensuring biosafety, biosecurity, and the safe application of biotechnology in Nigeria.
The visit featured a presentation on GBB’s Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS) — a key initiative of Professor Adeyanju’s leadership focused on expanding digital infrastructure, enabling data-driven governance, and fostering inter-agency collaboration.
The session concluded with a tour of GBB’s Security Operations Centre (SOC), Network Operations Centre (NOC), and Tier III Data Centre, showcasing the company’s capacity to provide secure and reliable ICT services that power government and enterprise digital operations across the country.
In an era where organisations are redefining leadership and equity, MTN Nigeria continues to set the pace with its growing cadre of women in senior leadership positions. The company’s consistent recognition of female excellence, both within and beyond its walls, reflects a deep, deliberate culture of inclusion and empowerment.
L-R: Katuka Halilu, Regional General Manager, MTN Nigeria; Ajibola Opeoluwa-Calebs, Senior Manager, Reward, MTN Nigeria; Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN Nigeria, and ThankGod Otorkpa, General Manager, Regional Operations (Northwest), MTN Nigeria at the Award Ceremony and Gala Night of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Most recently, Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at MTN Nigeria, was conferred with the Fellowship Award of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) at the CIPM Gala Night and Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025.“This recognition is truly fulfilling, it represents the culmination of years of passion and perseverance. To be honoured by the leading institute for HR professionals in Nigeria is a remarkable achievement. I look forward to applying my experience and insight to continue strengthening MTN’s people strategy and driving excellence in human resource management,” Akinnukawe said following the honour.
Her recognition adds to a growing list of milestones achieved by MTN Nigeria’s female leaders in recent years. In July 2025, Uto Ukpanah, the company’s Company Secretary, made history as the 30th President and Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), becoming only the second woman to hold the role in nearly six decades. According to the company’s 2024 Annual Report, women now represent 41.4% of the total workforce, 34.7% of management, and 21.4% of the board. These figures reflect a steady rise in gender representation across all levels, supported by a range of internal programmes focused on inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development.
In the first half of 2025, MTN Nigeria’s strong financial and operational performance further reinforced the strength of its diverse leadership. The company recorded a 54.6% increase in service revenue to ₦2.4 trillion and an impressive EBITDA growth of 119.5%, reflecting its resilience, innovation, and effective people strategy.
This performance culture, anchored on inclusion and excellence, is reflected across the company’s leadership team. Beyond Ukpanah and Akinnukawe, several women occupy influential positions shaping the company’s vision and social impact. They include Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation and recipient of the 2024 CSI Personality of the Year Award at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards; A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer; Oby Ugboma, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer; Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer; and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer.
Her journey, from teaching and consulting to leading human capital strategy for Africa’s leading TechCo brand, exemplifies MTN’s belief that empowered women empower organisations.
MTN’s ongoing success story, both in its financial results and in people development, demonstrates that diversity is not just a metric, it’s a growth strategy. As the company continues to invest in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and social impact programmes, its commitment to elevating women into positions of influence remains resolute.
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