Telecom
Starcomms Introduces MCN Service
Starcomms has announced the launch of Missed Calls Notification (MCN), a new service which it says will make the use of mobile phones more convenient.
In the past, Starcomms subscribers could not know the number of calls missed when their phones were busy, switched off or outside the coverage area. With the introduction of the MCN service, subscribers will be notified on missed calls through SMS when their phones are later switched on or back within the network range.
The service is already available free for all 0702-8 roaming subscribers while its activation on 0702-9 and the newer numbers will soon be effected. The service number from which the subscriber will receive the SMS would be 1222. Later this service number will be changed to “Missed Call.”
The working of the service allows the Starcomms subscriber to have a record of calls missed during the absence of the phone from a reachable range. The caller will immediately be told: “Your call has been forwarded to the short message prompt system. The short message has been sent successfully. Please hang up.”
As soon as the Starcomms subscriber gets back on the network either by switching on or by entering into the network area, they would receive the following SMS: “You have a missed call from the caller – phone number with date/time.”
“Starcomms is committed to introducing value added services to our subscribers regularly, which clearly shows how much we value their patronage. The Missed Call Notification service is a very handy service for all. So now, you can safely switch off your mobile during business meetings, prayers and other engagements and get a list of numbers that called you when your phone was switched off,” said Maher Qubain, CEO of Starcomms Plc.
This service is an option for all roaming customers of Starcomms. They can chose to deactivate as may be required at any point in time. To deactivate, they only need to dial *1220 and *122 to reactivate.
Manoj Vashisht, marketing director, Starcomms said: “Starcomms recognizes the necessity of staying in touch. This service will offer new opportunities to all our roaming customers who want to keep abreast of calls that come to their phone lines even when they are not on network. The Missed Call Notification service is an offering designed to add value to their experience in the use of Starcomms phone. Our commitment to our customers is increasing everyday as we take our relationship with them to higher levels. That is why with this service, we watch and keep call records for them even in their absence.”
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
Tinubu Recalls Dembos as DG NTA, Nullifies Fresh Appointments
FIRS Decries Cross-border Tax Crimes
Minister Urges Africa Leaders to Unite on AI Infrastructure
MTN, CardCentre Join Hands to Launch Biodegradable SIM Cards
NGX Suspends Three Firms over 2024 Financial Results
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Empowers over 3,000 Customers with ₦579m in Mega Billion Promo
News2 days agoSuri’s Memoir Sparks Visionary Dialogue with Zimbabwean Ministers on Africa’s Future
E-Financial2 days agoUnion Bank of Nigeria Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank
E-Financial2 days agoAMMBAN Faults CBN’s 60-day Deadline on PoS Geo-Tagging
News2 days agoAdlantique Named Nigeria’s Best in Digital Marketing, Content Creativity @ 2025 Beacon of ICT Awards
General News2 days agoAirtel Africa Foundation Presents Nigerian Students with Tech Scholarships
General News2 days agoCAC Postpones New Fee Implementation
Telecom2 days agoSwitch Solutions to Lead Cybersecurity Innovation @GITEX Nigeria 2025