As part of preparation for a new phase of business transformation, the Board of Directors of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operating as 9mobile, has announced the appointment of seasoned telecoms expert and technology business leader and advisor; Obafemi Banigbe as the Chief Executive Officer of the company.

He succeeds the outgoing CEO, Juergen Peschel, who will be retained as a Consultant to support the business transformation process initiated under his leadership. This transition is consistent with 9mobile’s tradition of business continuity to ease the start of the holistic business transformation for the company.

Banigbe possesses extensive experience at the C-suite level and brings a profound comprehension of the intricate African business landscape, emphasizing the critical translation of business objectives and commercial imperatives into comprehensive strategies that drive successful execution.

Banigbe commenced his career in the telecoms industry at Celtel now known as Airtel Nigeria as the Director of Operations, preceded by significant contributions at Ericsson across various roles within the Sub-Saharan Africa Market Unit, culminating in the esteemed role of Network Support Group Manager for Access and Transport Networks.

He was previously the Chief Operations Officer at Millicom Ghana, charting the operational strategy for the business in Ghana.

His journey within the Millicom Group spans pivotal positions such as Interim CEO and earlier responsibilities as Chief Technical Officer for Millicom Ghana and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.

Banigbe’s diverse international experience transverses countries such as the United States and several African countries.

He was previously the Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Silver Rock Technology Services Ghana, a strategic advisory firm specializing in the Telecom, Media, and Technology sectors.

He also served as a Non-Executive Director at Amplitude Telecoms, a tower infrastructure provider in Nigeria. As an Advisory Board member for Telecel Group, Banigbe played a pivotal role in guiding the group’s successful acquisition of Vodafone Ghana.

He further enriches his advisory portfolio by contributing insights to Nsano Group, a leading Fintech platform operating across multiple African countries, and previously lent his expertise to the Kirusa group in New Jersey, USA, providing invaluable guidance on product development and market entry strategies.

Board of EMTS (9mobile) said, “We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the positive impact that Obafemi will have on shaping the future of 9mobile. He brings along the vision, passion and years of experience from diverse environments, which will consolidate our priorities to provide superior customer experience and sustained network quality.

“Obafemi is expected to work closely with the Board of Directors and all stakeholders to define credible and achievable long-term business plans, through the introduction of solutions to address the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunication market.”

“The Nigerian telecoms industry is characterized by strong competition, but it is also an industry that provides opportunities for different stakeholders.

“I am delighted to join the 9mobile family and I look forward to using my experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey. The goal is to build on the existing foundation of the company to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecoms sector. Banigbe said.”

Banigbe holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. He augmented his expertise through the Ericsson Management Development Program, the Advanced Management Program at the London Business School, and culminated his academic journey with an MBA from Manchester Business School, U.K.

Mr. Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager, Sub-Sahara Africa, said that V-Convention is a veritable platform where QNET underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Mr. Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager (RGM)

He stated this on Thursday at a webinar organised for Nigerian journalists who have attended the V-Convention (VCON) in Malaysia to share their experiences.

Mr. Fall stated that V-Convention enables stakeholders to witness firsthand the company’s dedication to product quality, ethical business practices, and the empowerment of its IR network.

He also added that V-Convention is an avenue for distributors to deepen product knowledge, engage with company experts in business-building sessions as well as gaining insights from accomplished distributors.

He further emphasized that QNET brings together a diverse assemblage of marketing professionals, experienced business leaders, and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business in Penang, Malaysia. “Every year since 2022, QNET invites selected journalists from media outlets in Nigeria to attend this important event.

We recently hosted the first V-Convention of 2024 in May, bringing up to 9,000 attendees. Following QNET’s theme for the year, “Championing You,” the event emphasized QNET’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with financial independence and personal growth through our lifestyle and wellness product portfolio.

“This unique platform fosters knowledge exchange, develops new ideas, and propels the industry forward by bringing together a diverse group of experts, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals.

Speaking further Mr. Fall noted that Nigerian Journalists overtime have been invited to Malaysia in order for them to have a firsthand experience of the convention.

According to him, “Every year since 2022, QNET invites selected journalists from media outlets in Nigeria to attend this important event.

“We’re grateful to our media partners who have joined us at various times to mark this important occasion.”

Nigerian journalist who at one time or the other attended the V-Convention (VCON) in Malaysia shared their palatable experiences at various times at the convention.

Starting with Royal Ibeh, a reporter with Leadership Newspaper who attended the VCON 2024 edition said, “It was a great experience. My take home from the VCON experience is how QNET is empowering micro entrepreneurs all over the world, QNET has given them a purpose in life.

“Imagine someone who does not have anything doing, all of a sudden start earning as high as $500,000, all thanks to QNET. I would scream more than them if I was given that opportunity.

“So, that is what I was eager to write about on how Africans can leverage on the direct selling model. I would love to see a time when Africans will be in that hall, celebrating the founders of QNET”.

N’ankwat Dariem of Voice of Nigeria who was at the VCON 2023 noted the significant presence of young entrepreneurs at the event seeking to improve their lives through direct selling. This resonated with Prince Osuagwu of Vanguard Newspaper, VCON attendee 2022 who further highlighted the strong sense of community and support fostered by the event.

He viewed VCON as a platform for knowledge exchange, particularly valuable for replicating success stories in the Nigerian market with its large youth population. Osuagwu was also impressed by QNET’s dedication to innovation, showcasing products that address real-world challenges in Nigeria, such as vertical farming technology and hygiene devices.

Mr. Akeem Ajisafe Abiodun, CEO, Transblue Ltd, said that the goal with the webinar was to gain a deeper understanding of what the V-Convention means for QNET and its stakeholders and to highlight its crucial importance to the direct-selling industry.

He said V-Convention is QNET’s largest gathering of network marketing professionals, experienced business leaders, and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business. “QNET is known for its direct-selling business model, which involves selling products directly to consumers through an e-commerce platform. This business model has empowered thousands of people worldwide to become successful entrepreneurs. Direct selling is not only a promising career option but also a route to economic empowerment. The industry provides an appealing opportunity to launch a business with minimal capital or logistic challenges. However, in Nigeria and many African countries, the industry has garnered attention for the wrong reasons due to the prevalence of pyramid schemes and fraudulent practices posing as legitimate direct-selling companies.”

Ajisafe added that V-Convention is a platform that plays a significant role in dispelling the misconception that direct selling is fraudulent. It emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, networking, and building sustainable businesses. The event also highlights the value of direct selling as a means of personal and financial empowerment, showcasing the success stories of entrepreneurs who have built their businesses through QNET’s direct selling model.”

Speaking on the latest trends and Innovation showcased at V-Convention 2024, Ajisafe said that V-Convention provides a platform to showcase the latest trends and innovations in the direct selling industry. This includes the launch of exciting products that enhance customer experiences and increase distributors’ efficiency, as well as exclusive training and empowerment opportunities.

“The recently concluded V-Convention in May was a five-day event that showcased the launch of products such as the Amezcua E-Guard X. This revolutionary device is a unique wellness solution that provides protection for your body from the harmful effects of electro-smog exposure from mobile phones, computers, laptops, and televisions. Additionally, the event introduced the HomePure Rayn, which is the first showerhead to integrate Amezcua Resonance Technology with the high-quality water filtration that the HomePure brand is known for. Lastly, the BHM luxury Swiss watch and jewellery brand introduced a new collection of timepieces titled Alto.

“The event celebrates the power of community by bringing together a diverse group of up to 9,000 individuals from over 30 countries worldwide, creating a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas, sharing success stories, and forming meaningful connections,” Ajisafe said.

As part of its mission to revolutionize education in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria recently hosted a forum of stakeholders within Nigeria’s educational sector to generate collaborative ideas for the sector’s transformation.

Present at the event were the Director, Social Mobilization, Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Ossom Ossom; Chief, UNICEF Lagos Field Office & Head of Private Sector Partnerships, Celine Lafoucriene; Founder, Passnownow.com, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria, A’isha Mumuni, among other key stakeholders.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a profound shift in the global approach to learning, revolutionizing the way education is delivered and experienced worldwide. Students and teachers globally had to embrace virtual learning models. Following the pandemic, the digital approach to learning has continued to thrive, with founders developing innovative platforms to enhance learning and knowledge sharing.

Recognizing the current state of the educational sector in Nigeria and the need for transformation that meets global standards, MTN brought together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and explore potential solutions and opportunities for collaboration.

In her opening remarks, A’isha Mumuni spoke about the digitization of learning around the world and the need for quality and accessible education. She further stated that MTN is eager to collaborate with these stakeholders to move the Nigerian educational sector forward. “ I cannot deny the frontiers that technology has opened.

At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefit of a modern connected life, and one of these benefits is education; that’s why we’re here. We need to work with the education industry because we are building leaders of tomorrow. If we are unable to educate them using technology, then we’re not doing a good job”.

Keynote speaker, Dr Ossom Ossom, emphasized the need for collaboration between the public and private sector to change the trajectory of education in Nigeria. “This engagement is very important because we should be able to draw the kind of insight that emanates from the private sector and tie that into what the government is doing and see how we can make change”.

A wide range of participants, encompassing policy makers, founders of educational technology platforms, leaders from public and private schools, teachers, parent representatives and even students participated in a series of thought-provoking panel sessions.

This inaugural focus group discussion is a testament to MTN’s commitment of making an impact and causing great change within the Nigerian community.