Emma Okonji examines the contribution of Globacom to the telecoms market in the country from a standpoint of a Nigerian brand, competing with multinationals in the country's telecoms space

Before the advent of Globacom in August 2003, the licensed telecoms operators operating in the country were predominantly foreign multinationals. At the very inception, they made Nigerians believe that telecoms business was for the well heeled in the society, by sticking to N50 per minute for all call rates. At that time the average Nigerian worker who dared to buy a GSM SIM card at N20,000 and a low entry mobile phone for between N10,000 and N15,000, was compelled to use the phone to receive calls only. The reason being that it was exorbitant to make calls at the rate of N50 per minute. What was in vogue then was to carry the mobile phone, and use it to receive calls only, while most people resorted to call centre operators to make speedy calls that must not exceed two minutes at the rate of N20 per minute. At that time, call centre operators were buying contract package from telecoms operators, enabling them to reduce call rates to as low as N40 per minute.

But with the entry of Globacom, which launched its services with per second billing, other operators which had hitherto said it was not possible to introduce per second billing system, suddenly made an about turn and joined Globacom to offer per second billing services. Since then, the cost of GSM services came crumbling to the delight of subscribers and Globacom has continued to bring down cost, through various value added services and telecoms promos, among which is the Glo 'Text4Million' promo.

Adenuga's Entry into Telecoms

Chairman of Globacom, Mike Adenuga (Jnr), became interested in telecoms business as far back as 2001, when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held its first auction for GSM licensing. His company, Consolidated, participated in the bid and emerged victorious but could not meet the February 9, 2001, deadline given operators to pay for the licence. It was a painful experience for Adenuga, as he was forced to forfeit his $20 million deposit paid to the commission.

In 2003, the business mogul regrouped and returned to the bidding table for the second national carrier, with Globacom as a trading name. This time, he got the licence. Today, Globacom has clinched the position of the second largest telecoms operator after MTN, according to subscriber numbers released by the NCC in April this year. With a subscriber number of over 25 million, Globacom has brought down telecoms cost through its value added services, promoting several businesses in the country and empowering several Nigerians through its promos.

It is in recognition of his feat in telecoms service offerings as well as in other sectors of the economy that the Federal Government on Monday honoured him with the second highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Glo "Text4Millions" Promo

In further of Adenuga's passion for the telecoms space, Globacom recently empowered some Nigerians through its Glo Text4Million promo, where a businessman won the handsome sum of N12 million, and two others won N6 million each.

Presenting the award and other consolation prizes to winners in Lagos recently, Globacom was able to empower Nigerians and put smiles in the faces of many.

It was jubilation galore at Globacom's corporate headquarters in Lagos, as a businessman who trades in electrical wires and cables, Shittu Shodeinde, collected a cheque of N12 million as the winner of the first monthly prize in the on-going Season 3 of the Glo text4millions promo.

Eight others who had won various prizes in the promo also collected cheques for various sums ranging from N30,000 to N6 million at the occasion. The winners include a trader based in Ondo State, Ifeanyi Ahuzuru, and a Lagos based businessman, Abideen Alao Abiodun, who won N6 million each in the promo.

Other winners who also collected their cheques at the ceremony include Abdulrazak Immam, who won N90,000, Adebayo Muhideen Oladele, who won N60,000 and Ronke Bankole, Titilayo Oyewole Elizabeth, Afolabi Mukaila Babatunde and Anthonia Adara who won N30,000 each.

Speaking at the occasion, Globacom's Head of Value Added Services, Samson Isa said that the presentation of prizes to the winners was a clear demonstration of Glo's commitment to its promise to reward its loyal subscribers in a transparent manner and transform their lives for the better.

"With a pay-out of up to N300 million in cash and prizes, Season 3 of the Glo text4millions promo has already started transforming the lives of our subscribers across the country. As Nigeria's national telecoms operator, Globacom remains committed to introducing more products, services, affordable tariffs and other unique initiatives that will add value to the lives of its subscribers and reward them for their loyalty," he said.

The winners expressed gratitude to Glo as they collected their cheques with most expressing surprise that a Nigerian company could be so consistent in keeping its promise to its subscribers.

Delighted Winners

The winner of N12 million in the promo, Shittu Shodeinde, who told the audience that he was motivated to start participating in the promo by his wife, was full of praises and thanked Glo for making him a multimillionaire. He said he would invest part of the money in his electrical and cable sales business while the rest will be invested in people.

"This is unexpected favour from God. I was actually enjoying the game because I was learning from the questions being asked during the promo. Today, I am a multimillionaire ready to rule my world just because I am on the Glo network. Thank you Glo for changing my life", he said.

On his part, Ifeanyi Ahuzuru, a trader in plastic wares who won N6 million in the promo said he was equally surprised and overwhelmed when he got a call that he had won millions in the promo. "I thank Glo very much for this gesture as I now have enough money to expand my trade in plastics where I reside in Ore, Ondo state", he said.

Abideen Alao Abiodun, a trader in polythene bags who won N6 million in the promo also expressed surprise at winning such huge amount. He said he was happy to win after overcoming the initial scepticism by his wife.

Season 3 of the Glo 'text4millions promo promises existing and potential Glo subscribers a chance of winning from N30,000 up to N3 million daily or N6 million weekly. Monthly prizes of N12 million cash and a grand prize of N24 million for lucky subscribers in addition to consolation prizes of iPods, Samsung Galaxy tablets, HP laptops and N500 airtime for 100 winners daily will also be won during the promo.