Leading telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria, has splashed over N4 billion worth of airtime for Nigerians in a new mega-consumer promo in partnership with Seven-up Bottling Company Plc.

The promo, which is open for 60 days between January 20 and March 22, 2014, offers consumers who purchase any of Pepsi, Mirinda, 7-Up, Teem or Mountain Dew carbonated drinks from the stable of the soft drinks producer, instant Airtel free airtime.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to announce the promo, General Manager, Value Added Services, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Victor Bannerman-Chedid, said the promo is an in-depth demonstration of the company’s customer-centric culture which translates to multi-faceted exciting packages and offerings.

He stressed that Airtel is a true pro-people telecoms company based on the various channels through which it strives to enrich the lives of Nigerians, adding that the company only recently concluded another exciting promo in which every customer was a winner.

Bannerman stated: “The partnership between Pepsi and Airtel, two of Nigeria’s leading companies is one of the most exciting things to happen to the Nigerian consumer in recent time. We are happy to begin the New Year on a very promising and positive note for the good of the Nigerian consumer. We recognise their importance and the immense roles they play in the success of our businesses.”

The partnership will see Nigerian consumers winning airtime for every glass bottle of Pepsi, Mirinda, 7Up, Teem and Mountain Dew purchased in the next 60 days.

Explaining the mechanics of the promo tagged ‘Everybody is a Winner’, Bannerman explained that each crown cock would bear a pin number which is revealed when a consumer peels off the inner bottle covering of any of the carbonated soft drinks.

Consumers are to dial the revealed PIN number for instant recharge of one minute Airtel airtime for both on-net and off-net calls. For consumers who are not on the Airtel network, the PIN number entitles them to a free SIM card that on activation will enable the consumer to enjoy the free airtime. Consumers can redeem up to three free airtime crowns per day and each recharge is valid for three days.

In addition, the airtime has pass over value as a customer may decide to give it to friends or family members as a show of love. It is also redeemable within 30 days after promo window closes.

Also speaking, the Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, said the partnership is rooted in the customer-focus philosophy of the two companies as well as the desire to give to the Nigerian consumer the best of two worlds: drinking refreshing Pepsi and coming alive by talking via Airtel.

His words: “It is always good to have a partner, but it is more important to have the right partner. Airtel is the right partner we have identified, and are proud to work with the company because of our shared values.”

Mr. Thurston further noted that the new offering is devoid of the usual promo features such as element of luck, minimum chance of winning and difficulties in redeeming won prizes, as every consumer will benefit from the Airtel free airtime.

•Photo shows Airtel Nigeria’s GM, Value Added Services, Mr. Victor Bannerman-Chedid.