The leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has officially launched its 4G (LTE – Long Term Evolution) service in the historic city of Ibadan.
The event held at the Civic Centre, Bodija, Ibadan, was attended by key government officials,industry players, corporate bigwigs, stakeholders and telecommunication consumers, including his imperial majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanaland.
In his speech, the CEO/MD of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya said the 4G service was pioneered in Ibadan because of its pacesetter status in Nigeria.
He said the pilot roll out the 4G network was borne out of high regards for Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the good people of Ibadan as well as Oyo state.
“Our 4G LTE will drive growth, spread posterity and help Enterprises in Ibadan and other areas to grow,” the CEO assured.
He also explained that it took Airtel Nigerka so long to launch its 4G LTE because “the company wanted to get it right, we want to offer the best 4G in Nigeria, reliable and fast all the times.
“That the different between us and other networks,” he said.
The Airtel CEO also confirmed that the telco will be rolling out its 4G service in other cities across the country in the coming months.
The Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi commended Airtel Nigeria for choosing Ibadan for the kick-off of the 4G LTE and also hailed them for complying with the local content policy at all times.
He implored Airtel to bring other incentives and network opportunities to the state.
Commending Airtel for the 4G launch, the Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, said Airtel’s upgrade and expansion to a 4G network in Ibadan will definitely improve telecommunications services and drive economic growth. “NCC is happy to celebrate with Airtel on this milestone and on other efforts aimed at achieving robust and extensive network coverage in Nigeria,” he said.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, hailed Airtel for deploying 4G in Ibadan, saying that he is glad that Airtel Nigeria has chosen Ibadan to pioneer the launch of its revolutionary 4G service.
He asked the people of Oyo state “to use what has been given to us today to empower ourselves and patronize Airtel Nigeria.”
The event was graced by Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, as the Guest of Honour, Executive director of NCC, Sunday Dare, Hon Saheed Akinade Fijabi, Chairman NITDA, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Vice Chancellors of the University of Ibadan, Leeds City and Rector, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, among others.
