Airtel Nigeria has been named the country’s Telecoms Company of the Year 2012 for its consistency in pioneering innovation in the telecoms industry and in recognition of its efforts at building a pan Nigeria 3.75G Internet Network coverage.

Segun Ogunsanya, newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, was also named the CEO of the Year for his inspirational leadership and past achievements at leading multinational organisations to attaining business success.

The honours were bestowed on Airtel by foremost celebrity magazine, City People at a colourful celebration held at Balmoral Hall, Oregun, Lagos.

A citation read in honour of Airtel at the occasion commended Airtel for blazing the trail and for revolutionising the telecommunications sector in Nigeria with groundbreaking value offerings, innovative services and for covering Nigeria with the widest and largest 3.75G Network. The event organisers also lauded Airtel for implementing a robust Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at uplifting underprivileged children in the country.

Deepak Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director of Airtel Nigeria, received the award on behalf of the company. He thanked the organisers for creating a highly respected awards platforms in honour of outstanding achievements in the Nigerian society. Srivastava also used the opportunity to assure telecoms consumers at the occasion that Airtel was committed to maintaining its position as true innovation pioneers in the Nigerian Telecoms Industry.

“At Airtel, we value our customers and this premium we place on customers has influenced most of our big decisions. Indeed, we have moved first to cover Nigeria with the widest and largest 3.75G coverage and we have also recently announced several milestones including the successful completion of Long Term Evolution (4G) Trial in Lagos just as we have unveiled several innovative service offerings including the highly sought after High Definition (HD) Voice Service,” he said.

Emeka Oparah, Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, received the CEO of Year Award on behalf of the company’s CEO, Segun Ogunsanya. Describing Ogunsanya’s leadership style as transformational and inspiring, Oparah noted that Airtel is committed to empowering exceptional Nigerian talent as evident in the company’s appointment of a Nigerian MD & CEO.

“Airtel is in Nigeria for the long haul and it is committed in empowering highly talented Nigerian professionals. As you know, Airtel is the only major telecoms services provider in Nigeria with a Nigerian CEO and a very high representation of Nigerian professionals at the company’s Executive Committee. Without a doubt, this demonstrates Airtel’s commitment to Nigeria and illustrates the company’s confidence in local professionals. We are happy that City People has recognised this fact and bestowed this great honour on our company,” he said.

The event was attended by several top politicians including a delegation from the House of Representatives, Ogun State Government, Niger State Government, Oyo State Government and Lagos State Government. The Airtel’s Team was led by Srivastava; Oparah; CSR Manager, Chinda Manjor and PR Managers, Erhumu Bayagbon and Nsikan Umoh, as well as CEO of Blueflower Communications, Chido Nwakanma.

•Photo: Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Segun Ogunsanya.