FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

The ambience on Friday night at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi was just right for the launch of a bespoke platform like MTNPrestige. The black carpet was a little busy when I arrived. A couple was on the carpet getting their pictures taken. Everyone present was a VIP and they were so treated.

The event was anchored by Tee A, the comedian who made everyone laugh with some of his jokes. To kick off the event, Pascal Dozie, chairman MTN, warmly welcomed everyone as he gave his five-point address.

“Thank you for taking time out to be here,” he said. “We at MTN appreciate your doing so. Appreciate your patronage and loyalty over the years. We recognise that you, our customers, are central to our success story.”

He explained MTN is sending its customers a message of great respect and value with the new MTNPrestige. “We place a premium on the fact that you have chosen us to deliver our services to make your life easier and beautiful for you. We realised that without you we are nowhere and with you we shall continue to strive and succeed.”

According to him, in line with MTN’s vision, MTN is making a bold statement with MTNPrestige to make life easier for its customers. “We have a vision to lead the delivery of a new digital world to make our customers’ lives a lot easier. That is the change we are bringing. We unveil a new customers’ appreciation scheme as a testament of our commitment to put the customer first.”

MTN CEO, Ferdi Moolman said the night was about appreciating its customers over the years hence the need for a loyalty product like MTNPrestige.

“The industry is about connecting people, tonight it is about connecting people. It is about you. And we will like to say thank you for your patronage. The start of this loyalty product is the beginning which we are witnessing tonight,” he explained.

There was a cultural performance on the theme ‘MTN, race to prestige’.  Using race as an illustration, the performance tells the story of a group of young men and women running around the year to have the ultimate prestige card. If you run a lap, it means you can be a part of the MTNPrestige circle. If your run ten laps (which equal ten years of loyalty to MTN) you automatically qualify to be a MTNPrestige member.

With the MTNPrestige, customers can enjoy more personalised services. MTNPrestige comes in Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories.  Platinum and Gold categories allow members access to MTN personalised card, MTN Network voice and data gifting, free device, access to VIP Airport lounges, special travel packages, invites to exclusive VIP events, priority access at all MTN shops, dedicated relationship manager, free sim swap, luxury vehicle test drive among other exclusive offers.

There are other personalised services to enjoy in the Silver and Bronze categories like special travel packages from Emirates and Air France/KLM, access to VIP airport lounge at the MMIA international and local airport among others. Depending on how much you spend and for how long you have been on the network, you automatically qualify to be in MTNPrestige circle if you are a year and above on the network.

At the event, Bismarck Rewane, chairman Financial Derivatives Company offered some insights into economic projections for 2017. “The illusion of prosperity and the frustration of reality is how to describe 2017. 2017 will be a year of mirage and reality. Every projection is based on the fact that oil prices will rise. Inflation which is the major variable is 18.6 percent is projected to decline to 15 percent to about 10 percent. To succeed in 2017, we need to change policy, change people, change process. Market will determine prices in 2017,” he explained.

At the event was Steve Ayorinde, Lagos commissioner for information and Strategy, Frank Aigbogun, publisher, Business Day newspaper, Gbenga Oyebode, among other dignitaries.