MTN, Nigeria’s leading Information Communications Technology Company, has flagged off a competition for mobile application developers. The competition, MTN App Developer Challenge, is focused on development of local content relevant to the Nigerian market.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Lagos, Larry Annetts, chief marketing officer of MTN Nigeria, said: “The MTN App Developer Challenge is a demonstration of our commitment to deliver a bold new digital world to our various stakeholders. This initiative represents a tangible and credible platform to make our brand promise a reality as well as promote the growth and use of locally relevant content, which would help develop the Nigerian ecosystem via partnerships that are beneficial to the ecosystem at large.”
He said mobile applications have become an essential feature for most mobile users, adding that a growing number of Nigerians now rely on their mobile phones as the preferred choice to stay in touch and be developments in society. He said this has made local Nigerian mobile content more relevant and important than ever before.
According to the marketing chief, MTN, in fulfilment of its brand promise and commitment to enriching the lives of Nigerians, had partnered with neXva, a multi-OS app ecosystem solutions provider; to launch a branded version of the App Store called MTN NextApps Store.
He said there are 1330 Apps on MTN store currently, made up of 1213 Free Apps, and117 Premium Apps. He said the collection is growing with a large focus on Nigerian applications.
On his own part, Kola Oyeyemi, general manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, expressed optimism that the Challenge would produce results that are beneficial to the country, especially in the area of development of locally relevant applications that address the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Categories for entries in the MTN App Developer Challenge include Entertainment and lifestyle, Productivity, Games, Education, Health and a special category for student entries.
The Best Overall Winner will receive a Hyundai IX35 car and N1 million in addition to a Samsung Galaxy S4 mobile phone as well as six months promotion on the MTN NextApps store.
Six Winners that will emerge from each category will receive N1 million and a Samsung Galaxy S4 mobile phone as well as six months promotion on the MTN NextApps store.
