Yes, the history of telecommunications in Nigeria cannot be complete without mentioning the trailblazing exploits of Chief Mike Adenuga’s Globacom.
Since its establishment in 2003, Globacom has achieved the “impossible”, from the introduction of the per-second billing to the demystification of the SIM card acquisition, just to mention a few.
However, beyond these great achievements, what really makes Globacom stand out among other telecom brands is its unparalleled giving-back philosophy.
In the last 20 years of its existence, I daresay no company has positively impacted the lives of Nigerians across several sectors like Globacom has done.
Here are five ways Globacom has distinguished itself as arguably the most impactful brand in Nigeria:
Globacom’s Unparalleled philanthropy
Globacom’s philanthropy initiatives are unparalleled as the Adenuga-owned telecom brand has continued to provide succour for less-privileged Nigerians.
The lives of millions of Nigerians have been positively transformed through various promos, including Glo Festival of Joy Promo, Glo Overload, GloAllawee, Text 4 Million, Made for Life, Recharge to Stardom, 180 cars in 180 days, etc.
Through these initiatives, many less-privileged Nigerians have become house and car owners.
Reuben Okorie, a 48-year-old businessman who is one of the millions of beneficiaries of Globacom’s philanthropy, won a three-bedroom house in Abuja.
The man who used to live in a one-bedroom apartment was overjoyed when he won a three-bedroom house in Abuja under the Glo Festival of Joy Promo.
Globacom Supports Sports development
Globacom has made significant contributions to sports, particularly football, through various sponsorship agreements and initiatives. Notable instances include a ₦2 billion sponsorship deal with the Nigeria Football Federation in 2011, making it the official telecommunications partner and major sponsor of the Nigerian national teams.
The company also sponsored the Nigerian league from 2003 to 2010 and resumed in 2013 with a ₦1.9 billion agreement lasting until 2016. Additionally, Globacom supported the annual Glo-CAF Awards from 2005 to 2016.
To foster football development, Globacom also initiated the Glo Soccer Academy, a West African Soccer TV Reality show, aimed at discovering and training talented young footballers. The academy culminated in rewarding 16 outstanding players with significant prizes, including N5 million for the Most Valuable Player and N1 million each for the remaining finalists. These are just to mention a few.
Globacom Supports Education development
Globacom’s impact is also strongly felt in the education sector. The telecom giant, since its establishment, has been actively involved in developing educational infrastructure across secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the country.
Additionally, Globacom has demonstrated its commitment to supporting African literature by sponsoring the esteemed Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, a biennial award that recognizes the outstanding literary contributions of African writers, with the winning author receiving a prize of $20,000.
Glo’s impacts on entertainment
Globacom has also played a significant role in the Nigerian music industry by supporting and promoting local talent through various sponsored events such as Rock ‘n’ Rule, GloNaija Sings, Laffta Fest, X Factor, Slide and Bounce concerts, and Glo Mega Music.
The company also honours African music icons through the Glo Evergreen Series and has contributed to the success of Nollywood actors by making them Glo Ambassadors with huge cash deals.
Additionally, Globacom brought the world’s largest dance reality show, Battle of the Year, to Nigeria, providing substantial cash prizes and opportunities for winners to represent the country globally.
Support for MSMEs
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of any country’s economy. So, it’s not surprising that Globacom also prioritised helping the players in this sector.
Globacom has empowered millions of SMEs in Nigeria as part of the fulfilment of a pact it signed with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in 2015.
That’s not all. In December 2023, Globacom launched “Powering Ambition”, an innovative strategy deployed to bolster digital connectivity, especially for SMEs, through its submarine fibre optic infrastructure.
And that’s still not all! Globacom also has special voice and data plans for SMEs tagged SME Biz Class, an innovative move to make business easier and more profitable for small entrepreneurs.
While Globacom has undeniably left an indelible mark as a trailblazing telecom brand in Nigeria, its achievements extend beyond that. Its exceptional standing lies in its unparalleled commitment to giving back to society.
Through extensive philanthropy initiatives, the company has positively transformed the lives of countless Nigerians, making a tangible impact on various sectors.
The company’s dedication to fostering positive change and uplifting the less privileged sets it apart, making it arguably the most impactful brand in Nigeria over the past two decades.
Globacom’s legacy goes beyond connectivity; it is a testament to the transformative power of corporate social responsibility and a beacon for others to follow in truly making a meaningful difference. Clarion call to all Nigerians for patriotic support for our own.
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