MTN connects Mbaise

Telecommunications Company MTN Nigeria has again showed a willingness to give back to the society through her unwavering support of the culture of the Nigerian people by being the chief sponsor of the 2008 edition of the New Yam festival in Mbaise, held on 15 August, 2008 in Mbaise, Imo state.

The mobile telephone company which is committed to empowering Nigerians with access to communication that connects them to their loved ones has through its family and friends’ brand, XtraConnect brought a unique appeal to the 2008 edition of the Iri iji festivities of the Mbaise people of Imo state.

This unique communal development initiative is one which is highly welcomed and appreciated by the people and rulers of Mbaise as the telecoms company’s involvement has also been viewed as an attraction for the younger generation so that they can appreciate and understand the essence of the Iri iji festival.

Speaking on this, the Imo state Commissioner for Petroleum and Environment, Hon. Agunwa Okechukwu, who is also an indigene of Mbaise, applauded the effort and involvement of MTN in this year’s Iri iji festival. He further escalates that other industries should emulate the efforts of MTN because it is only in giving back to society those organisations can maximally and positively impact lives.

“Iri Iji Mbaise is a celebration of a bountiful harvests and the only communal festival which brings together the three main local governments of Mbaise, it is a celebration of an age old culture and MTN’s involvement is viewed as a contribution to the growth and development of the Mbaise culture and people and it is a welcomed development which we hope other organisations will emulate and inculcate,” he Said.

The weeklong celebration of Iri iji festival which is also a celebration of unity since it brings together indigenes of the three local governments in Mbaise, comprised a number of events such as a football match, a colloquium, a courtesy call to the Eze and a cocktail, with the Iri Iji festival as the grand finale.

The traditional ruler Royal Majesty Eze Joe Oleka Obioha appreciated MTN’s care and support of the Mbaise people. He further reiterated that such gesture was welcome in Mbaise. Having spent 25 years on the throne to celebrate this festival he was ecstatic that a corporate organisation could contribute to the Mbaise community in such manner.


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