BUA Estate, Abuja, Hosts Successful Iftar, Fostering Community Spirit

Despite Hardship, Glo Continues To Make Life Easier For Nigerians

By Osho Oluwatosin

Due to the economic hardship that has affected Nigeria as a country, several sectors, including telecommunications, have had to make necessary reforms and adjustments, especially in terms of tariffs, to reflect the reality of the Nigerian economic situation.

Some players in the sector, like Karl Toriola of MTN, had advocated for a 100% increase in tariffs due to the operational costs his company is enduring as a result of the economic hardship. Others also called for a similar increase, and as expected, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% increase in tariffs in February.

Although several Nigerians complained bitterly due to the fact that several essential commodities are already expensive, in all fairness, an increment was necessary because telecommunication companies also pay high costs for commodities like diesel. If Nigerians continue paying the lower tariffs while operational costs keep increasing, some companies may begin to shut down.

However, if there is any telecommunications giant that has considered the feelings of Nigerians regarding the directives from NCC to increase tariffs, it is Globacom, the only indigenous telecommunications company owned by billionaire Mike Adenuga.

While the likes of MTN implemented a 200% increase and later apologized, Globacom, in its magnanimity and unwavering support for Nigerians, introduced some promos to ease the pain of Nigerians, especially the youth population that makes use of data.

One of the most hardship-alleviating initiatives by the company is the Glo eSIM 5GB free data, which was even extended to customers of other networks. According to the company, customers on other networks can easily use Glo eSIM as an additional SIM card and enjoy 5GB free of charge.

The outlet comes with an introductory free 5GB of data when the customer buys a data plan of N1,500 or more.

Customers already on other networks can now join the Glo network with eSIM as an additional SIM. Existing Glo customers can also enjoy this “SIM-less” freedom.

With the eSIM, customers no longer have to worry about space for a physical SIM on their phones. The eSIM is a software-based digital chip built directly into smartphones or wearable devices, thus eliminating the need for a physical SIM card for customers.

“Globacom is welcoming new customers on its network with the introduction of the eSIM. The eSIM, activated in any Gloworld shop or dealer outlet, comes with an introductory free 5GB of data when the customer buys a data plan of N1,500 or more.

“Customers already on other networks can now join the Glo network with eSIM as an additional SIM. Existing Glo customers can also enjoy this ‘SIM-less’ freedom.
“With the eSIM, customers no longer have to worry about space for a physical SIM on their phones. The eSIM is a software-based digital chip built directly into smartphones or wearable devices, thus eliminating the need for a physical SIM card for customers.”

Likewise, Glo recently announced a 15% bonus on every eTop-up for subscribers; this simply means that for every airtime recharge, customers get 15% added to whatever they bought.

In a press statement issued in Lagos, Globacom said, “In line with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers, we have introduced this bonus airtime promotion to help our customers get the most out of their mobile experience. Whether the airtime is used for calls, data, or messaging, this extra boost ensures that customers stay connected with their loved ones and colleagues without interruption. It was introduced to give our esteemed customers unprecedented value for money and a delightful calling experience on the Glo network.”

According to Glo, “The validity of the airtime is 7 days and cannot be rolled over; once the bonus airtime is not used within the validity period, it expires, and the customer forfeits the bonus.”

Furthermore, Glo partnered with establishments like Samsung to ensure Nigerians remain connected to the internet with unprecedented free data. Just recently, the telecommunications giant teamed up with Samsung, the world’s leading manufacturer of electronic devices, to bring a new offer to Glo subscribers. This tantalizing deal allows Glo customers to pre-order the highly sought-after Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone and enjoy unique benefits.

Globacom is also delighting customers who purchase any model from the Galaxy S25 series with 18GB of bonus data for 6 months under smartphone festival data plans, while they can also secure their pre-order at any Gloworld shop with an advance payment of ₦500,000. Pre-ordered phones will be delivered to customers from February 19 onwards.

Meanwhile, Glo has been engaging in several promos back-to-back for the benefit of Nigerians. Through the Glo Festival of Joy promo, more than 50 Nigerians have won vehicles as luxurious as the Toyota Prado and other home appliances for using the Glo network and recharging regularly.

What about the Glo Lucky Number game? At different times, subscribers have been rewarded with cash prizes ranging from N100,000 to N1,000,000.

All of these and more indicate one thing: Glo is the only indigenous company that cares about the feelings of Nigerians, and these promos are major means through which the populace can be eased from the nationwide economic hardship.

Huge kudos to Globacom.

– Osho Oluwatosin is a journalist and publisher of www.trixxng.com

Is FirstBank Truly the First in Banking Services? 

For decades, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), widely referred to as FirstBank, has prided itself on being a leader in the Nigerian banking sector. Established in 1894, the financial institution has positioned itself as a pillar of strength and reliability, serving millions of customers and businesses across the country and beyond. However, beneath the grandeur of its century-long legacy lies a series of alleged scandals, boardroom power struggles, and allegations that challenge its claim to excellence in banking services.

A Legacy Tainted by Controversy

While FirstBank has built a formidable reputation in the industry, recent years have seen the institution embroiled in controversies that have raised serious concerns about corporate governance, transparency, and ethical banking practices.

One of the most notable scandals in the bank’s recent history was the leadership tussle that rocked its board in 2021. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had to intervene after an alleged improper removal of the bank’s Managing Director, Adesola Adeduntan, by the Board of Directors. The regulatory authority deemed the move as a violation of corporate governance principles and reinstated Adeduntan, highlighting concerns of internal wranglings and executive interference within the institution.

The power struggle within FirstBank’s boardroom has long been a topic of public discussion in Nigeria’s financial circles. The institution has seen a revolving door of leadership changes, with accusations of alleged undue influence by powerful stakeholders, including billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and former board chairman Ibukun Awosika. Reports suggest that internal factions within the bank often engage in a battle of interests, placing political and personal agendas ahead of the bank’s strategic objectives.

Moreover, regulatory authorities have had to step in multiple times to stabilize the governance structure at FirstBank, raising concerns about the institution’s ability to independently manage its affairs.

Beyond governance struggles, FirstBank has not been immune to allegations of financial misconduct. In 2022, reports emerged regarding questionable loan approvals and potential insider dealings that put the bank at risk of financial instability. Some of these allegations pointed to loans granted without adequate collateral, benefiting influential figures with ties to the bank’s leadership.

Additionally, customers have raised complaints over the years about unethical banking practices, including unauthorized deductions, delayed transactions, and poor customer service. These issues, while common across the Nigerian banking sector, call into question whether FirstBank is truly living up to its legacy as the premier financial institution in the country.

Given the crisis engulfing FirstBank, the CBN has maintained a watchful eye over the institution. The apex bank’s intervention in leadership disputes and its mandate for compliance with regulatory frameworks indicate that FirstBank’s operations are not without significant oversight. While such interventions are meant to ensure stability, they also highlight the deep-seated issues within the bank that require continuous monitoring.

Despite these controversies, FirstBank remains a dominant force in the Nigerian banking landscape. Its extensive branch network, digital banking initiatives, and financial products continue to serve millions of customers. However, the multiple governance crises, allegations of financial impropriety, and regulatory interventions suggest that the bank’s claim to being the “first” in banking services is increasingly under scrutiny.

To maintain its esteemed reputation, FirstBank must prioritize corporate governance, transparency, and customer satisfaction. The banking industry is evolving, and with increased competition from both traditional banks and fintech disruptors, FirstBank must clean its house if it truly wants to remain the leader it claims to be.

The question remains: Is FirstBank still the first, or is it just another financial institution grappling with systemic issues? Only time will tell if the bank can rise above its scandals and reaffirm its leadership in the sector.