Wande Coal Thrills Airtel Channel Partners
It was one of those rare moments of exclusive entertainment, fun, excitement, dance and laughter for the hundreds of channel partners of Airtel Nigeria and other dignitaries who had gathered into the exquisitely decorated hall at the Eko Hotel & Suite, Victoria Island.
The occasion, although packaged by leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria for its business partners, was not meant for business discussions of any sort; it was designed to celebrate the partners for their contributions to the growth of the business during the past fiscal year.
Anchored by renowned Compere, IK of the Big Brother Africa fame, the event began with a few opening remarks by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, who aptly set the tone on what the night holds for all.
His words,' Our esteemed Channel Partners have been busy all day in a serious strategic session and we felt it would be proper for all of us to spend the next few hours in a more relaxed atmosphere so that we can interact, socialize and have fun.'
Nigeria's hip-hop artist, Wande Cole's performance was one of the high points of the night.
Serenading from his latest single 'The Kick', the Mushin-born performer was a delight to watch as he trotted the stage, combining musical and dancing dexterity of a superstar - a move that ignited a delightful response from the guests as most took to the dance floor.
The climax of his performance came when the CEO of Airtel led other dignitaries including some members of the company's Executive Council and winner of the CEO's Award for Excellence, Unyime Idem to the stage.
The often miscued steps and unbelievable dancing skills from most of the top shots which draw rapturous applause from the guests, was a pure delight to watch.
The Channel Partners were also treated to special performances by the House of Dance troupe who added a cultural dimension and flavour to a fun-filled evening.
The Airtel channel partners' Conference is an annual event put together by the telecoms operator to celebrate and reward outstanding business performances as well as excellence in trade.
The array of exotic prizes doled out to top performing partners ranged from the latest editions of highly-sought-after Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to top-rated business machines.
The one day conference which attracted over 150 Channel Partners drawn from across the country kicked off with a strategic session in the morning and rounded off with a gala night.
Some of the special guests who graced the occasion were Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Founder and Chairman of The Chair Centre Ltd, Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder of Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), Barr. Paul Usoro, SAN and board member, Airtel Nigeria, and Rajan Swaroop, Former MD/CEO of Airtel Nigeria.