Oba of Benin tips Airtel for growth, success in Edo

 
Lagos, February 03, 2011 – The Oba of Benin, Akenzua Eradiauwa I, has tipped leading Telecommunications service provider for growth and overall success in Edo State even as he welcomed the new brand in the ancient city of Benin.

The Oba expressed confidence that many more people in his domain will embrace Airtel especially with the increased expansion of the network and the introduction of affordable products while also noting that a number of his subjects are already customers of the mobile operator.

Speaking in his palace during a courtesy visit by Airtel officials led by the Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director, Rajan Swaroop, he commended the company for its decision to expand its Corporate Social responsibility programme to the area, particularly for choosing to enhance access to education for the poor.

The traditional ruler equally counselled the company to regularly ensure its products and services are readily available and accessible to the people in Edoland and to employ more people of Benin origin to respectable positions in the organisation.

Expressing support for the company's operations in the state, the Oba prayed for the continued prosperity of the company and for the new brand to become more entrenched in the hearts of the people.

The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel told the Oba that the visit is part of the mobile operator's plan to spread the message of its new Airtel brand and to seek the support and prayers of the notable people in the country.

He told Oba that the Airtel team which comprised the Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs, Osondu Nwokoro; Regional Operations Director for Southern Region, Godfrey Efeurhobo; Public Relations Manager, Emmanuel Otokhine, and Regional Sales Manager, Rural and semi-urban, Evelyn Ogbekhilu, among others, choose to visit the Oba as a mark of respect to him and his people and to introduce the new brand to His Royal Majesty.

Swaroop disclosed that Airtel is a big telecommunication service provider in and that it is currently the 5 th largest telco in the world, adding that the company is committed to offering innovative and affordable telephone services.

Tracing the journey of Airtel into Nigeria, he explained that the acquisition of Zain's operations in Africa in June last year led to the rebranding of the company to Airtel.

While thanking the Oba for the warm reception, Mr. Swaroop expressed confidence that the entry of the new brand will usher in network expansion, affordable tariff, and improved quality of service among others.