At end of a management meeting of the telecom firm in Lagos, 9Mobile Telecom was affirmed by the organisation as the new brand name. Last Monday, the chief executive of Etisalat International, Hatem Dowidar, said Etisalat Group would, in the next three weeks, phase out the brand name in Nigeria. According to PREMIUM TIMES EMTS Vice President Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Ibrahim Dikko, had weighed in with an explanation that the company had a valid and subsisting agreement with its former parent company, to continue using the Etisalat brand regardless of the recent restructuring of the Company. Mr. Dikko gave a hint about what the new name of the company could be. He recalled that at the launch of EMTS in Nigeria in 2008, “0809ja” was adopted, to affirm the “Nigerianness” of its origin and the company’s sphere of influence. Following Thursday’s announcement of the new brand name, PREMIUM TIMES learnt all staff of the company nationwide were sent notices of the change of name. The company’s new name is yet to be unveiled officially to the public. Early this week, Mr. Dikko said the new brand name would not affect the company’s operations. New chief executive, Boye Olusanya said the new management was mandated to make sure the business was run as a profitable venture. Dear Nigerians, Etisalat is officially dead and buried… Etibaba is officially 9Mobile Telecom Nigeria. Do you think this new name sounds cool, I was expecting something a bit more Naijaful, anyway, let us hope this new branding brings fresh hopes and features. What is your take on this new development?
