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9mobile appoints Obafemi Banigbe, ex-Airtel director, as CEO

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The board of directors of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operating as 9mobile, has appointed Obafemi Banigbe, an ex-Airtel director, as chief executive officer (CEO).

Banigbe will succeed Juergen Peschel, the outgoing CEO, the telco said in a statement on Thursday — adding that Peschel will be retained as a consultant to support the business transformation process initiated under his leadership.

The EMTS said the transition is consistent with its tradition of business continuity to ease the start of a holistic business transformation.

Expressing joy about the appointment, Banigbe said his goal is to lead the organisation through its next exciting phase using his experience.

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

“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.”

The EMTS said Banigbe is expected to collaborate closely with the board and all stakeholders to develop credible and achievable long-term business plans, through the introduction of solutions that address the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunications market.

“We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the positive impact that Obafemi will have on shaping the future of 9mobile,” the company said.

“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.”

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

LIFE BEFORE 9MOBILE

Banigbe holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

He enhanced his expertise through the Ericsson management development programme, advanced management programme at the London Business School, and completed his academic journey with an MBA from the Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom (UK).

He began his career in the telecoms industry at Celtel — now Airtel Nigeria — as the director of operations.

Prior to this, he made 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.

Banigbe was previously the chief operations officer (COO) at Millicom Ghana, charting the operational strategy for the business in the country.

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 (US) and several African countries.

He was previously the managing partner and co-founder at Silver Rock Technology Services — an advisory firm specialising in the telecom, media, and technology sectors in Ghana.

Banigbe 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, and previously lent his expertise to the Kirusa Group in the US, providing invaluable guidance on product development and market entry strategies.

Banigbe also served as a senior partner of strategy and technology at Africa Context Advisory Partners before his appointment by 9mobile.

Business

Court remands businessman Akintoye Akindele over $35m contract fraud

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The federal high court in Abuja has remanded Akintoye Akindele, chief executive officer (CEO) of Duport Midstream Company Limited, at the Kuje correctional centre.

On Tuesday, Akindele was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering and contract fraud.

The anti-graft agency accused Akindele of allegedly collecting $35 million from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to build a 2,000 barrel-per-day refinery, jetty, gas plant, data centre, and tank farm at Okpoama community in Brass LGA of Bayelsa state.

The EFCC alleged that Akindele received the funds through the bank account of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited and funneled the monies into four of his companies and bureau de change outlets.

The companies are Platform Capital Investment Partners, Duport Midstream Company Ltd., Puisance Afrique Dynamics Ltd., Adamantine Petrochemical & Refinery Ltd.

“That you, Akindele Akintoye, and Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, between December 2020 and February 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly retained the sum of $16,006,000 (Sixteen Million, Six Thousand United States Dollars), being part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the NCDMB to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment, knowing the said sum constituted proceeds of unlawful activity, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act,” one of the counts reads.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

After the ‘not guilty’ plea, Ekele Iheanacho, counsel to the EFCC, asked the court to remand Akindele in the custody of the correctional centre and seek a trial date.

However, Emmanuel Esadio, counsel to the defendant, told the court that a bail application has been filed and served on the prosecutor.

In his response, Nwite said it will take a 48-hour period for the bail application to be considered.

Esadio requested that his client be remanded in the custody of the anti-graft agency.

However, Iheanacho opposed the request, arguing that the EFCC lacked adequate facilities.

The EFCC counsel said the defendant had demonstrated untrustworthiness by collecting his international passport and claiming that it is in the court’s custody.

“The defendant cannot be trusted. He has shown tendencies that suggest he may commit another crime,” Iheanacho said.

“Additionally, there is no medical evidence before the court to support claims of ill health.”

The trial judge remanded the defendant at Kuje correctional centre and adjourned the case to December 31, 2024.

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Business

Kwara NLC seeks 50% tax reduction for workers

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Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress has appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to grant a 50 per cent downward review of the new tax policy of the state government for workers in the state.

It also appealed to the governor to extend tax holidays for employees in the state public service for another three months as done almost three months ago given the current hardship citizens are grappling with.

The state NLC Chairman, Muritala Olayinka, made the plea in a statement he signed and made available to Journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday.

Olayinka praised AbdulRazaq for prioritising the welfare of workers and pensioners with prompt and regular payment of salaries and allowances, describing it as a clear departure from that of the past administration in the state.

He noted that the governor has brought his leadership quality to bear with the execution of critical infrastructural projects that enhance the standard of living of the citizenry

While praying for good health and wisdom for AbdulRazaq to succeed in office, the NLC chairman reaffirmed the resolve of the organized labour to work with the present administration to achieve more milestones.

“On behalf of the entire membership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State Chapter, I extend our profound gratitude for your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Kwara State and its people.

“Your Excellency’s dedication to workers’ welfare has not gone unnoticed. From the prompt payment of salaries and pensions to the execution of critical infrastructural projects that enhance the quality of life for all Kwarans, your administration has demonstrated an exemplary understanding of the challenges faced by the workforce and the general populace.

“We especially commend your continued efforts in improving healthcare, education, and social amenities, which are vital to ensuring the well-being and productivity of the people. Your inclusive governance and accessibility as a leader have set a standard worth emulating.

“As partners in progress, we reaffirm our support and cooperation in working with your administration to achieve more milestones for our beloved state.

“Once again, we appreciate Your Excellency’s tireless efforts and pray for your continued wisdom, good health and success as you steer Kwara State towards greater heights”, Olayinka said.

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NCAA sanctions five airlines over flight cancellations, missing luggage

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement action against five airlines, comprising two international and three domestic operators, for violating Part 19 of NCAA Regulations of 2023.

NCAA said the violations include failure to refund passengers within the stipulated timeframe, non-responsiveness to authority’s directives, incidents of missing and manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, and issues relating to flight delays and cancellations.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, confirmed it to TheCable on Tuesday.

Although Achimugu did not reveal the names of the sanctioned airlines, he explained that while airlines are not always at fault for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations mandate specific actions they must take during such instances.

He said failure to adhere to the directives results in varying levels of penalties.

The director noted the surge in passenger complaints about delays and cancellations during the festive season, attributing some disruptions to harmattan-related poor visibility.

“We all know that this is harmattan season, so there is poor visibility. Flights must get cancelled. This is force majeure, and the airlines do not owe passengers anything in those instances. The enforcement we are initiating today is on cases where the airline is deemed to have been at fault. More will come,” Achimugu said.

He added that the NCAA would summon the chief executive officers (CEOs) of all airlines this week for a meeting to address flight disruptions and regulatory breaches.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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