Telecom
Smile Telecom Supports 50 Schools with Internet Bundles
Barely seven months it launched in Lagos, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited has taken bold step towards enhancing education in Nigeria through information communication technology (ICT) by connecting 50 public schools, 25 each in Lagos State and Ibadan (Oyo State) to the internet.
With 4G LTE, Smile said that it delivers affordable, high-quality and easy-to-use broadband internet access and communications services to its customers.
While presenting to the media Mrs. Alero Ladipo as the new chief marketing officer, the Company also said that it gives free 30gigbyte of internet bundles to each of the public schools; will replicate same gesture in Port Harcourt and increase the subscription as the needs arise.
According to Mr. Kenneth Esenwah, general manager, Sales and Distribution at Smile, the corporate social responsibility was driven by Irene Charnley, Smile group CEO urge to give back to the society in a measure that will address challenges associated with e-learning.
He hinted that the process reflects the key agenda of Dr. (Mrs) Omobola Johnson’s led Ministry of Communication to connect schools, government institutions, businesses, homes and individuals tagged, “connected Nigeria”.
“We are out to pursue the course for e-learning in Nigeria and internet penetration. We have other plans in the offing which we will inform the public at the due date. For now, we shall continue to partner with the States to ensure the schools already connected are not starved of internet subscription. Our CEO has demonstrated her passion for this project too,” he said.
The Company has already launched services in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Port Harcourt and hopes to establish its presence in 13 cities before the end of 2014, while targeting 60 cities in 2015.
On the processes of selecting the benefiting schools, Mr. Gbolahan Thomas, senior manager, legal and regulatory at the Company, said they approached the State Governments for schools already equipped with basic infrastructure like laboratories.
Similarly, Mrs. Alero Ladipo, new chief marketing officer at Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, expressed delight for being part of the teams that possesses enough spectrums to turn around customer experience as regards internet usage in the country.
According to her, she was attracted to the sourced for the best technology available in order to create the innovative solutions required to provide world-class, yet cost-effective, communications services across Africa, after it was found in 2007.
She said, “I am delighted that Smile’s vision is encapsulated by its value statement: ‘Everything is possible when done with Humanity, Humility, Integrity and Inspiration’”.
Ladipo added that the statement puts in a nutshell the Company’s approach to every aspect of the services, “every service and product we offer and how we deal with our customers, partners and our staff”.
The new CMO also hinted that “Smile On” conversation continues, although the Company will review the process to accommodate more SMEs.
Ladipo promises to bring her experiences to bear in driving Smile’s marketing and communication strategies and ensure that customer experience rates high.
She pleaded with Smile’s customers not to hastate in contacting customer care officer via 08004444444 for prompt response to their complaints.
Before her appointment, Ladipo had worked as head, marketing and communications strategy at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; Marketing & Communications Manager at Stanbic IBTC Bank; Group Communications Manager at The Standard Bank; Marketing Associate at Vic Lawrence & Associates; Research Asst at Nigerian Institute on International Affairs and Research Asst at WIPO.
She holds Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Law, University of Northumbira, Newcastle; Master of Laws (LLM) International Trade; University of Essex, Colchester and Bachelor of Law from the Nigerian Law School.
As technology improved, Smile evolved to focus on mobile broadband internet using 4G LTE technology, and it was with great pride that we launched Africa’s first 4G LTE broadband internet service in Tanzania, in March 2012.
Smile’s Tanzanian customers experience 4G LTE broadband internet service in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, with Dodoma and Mwanza receiving coverage in early 2014.
Nigerians living in Ibadan and Lagos already enjoy the country’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE broadband internet service, brought to them by Smile.
Abuja and Port Harcourt followed in early 2014.
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In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
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