Nigerian student wins Cessna 182T airplane in MTN promo

Lagos - A Nigerian student, Ebube Essien-Garricks, of the College of Health Science and Technology, Rivers State, is the winner of a Cessna 182T aircraft, in the "MTN Ultimate Wonder promo." South Africa-based MTN is one of Nigeria's leading mobile telephone network operators. Business Day Online reports Ebube Essien-Garricks, a 27-year-old student of College of Health Science and Technology, Rivers State, emerged the winner of a Cessna 182T aircraft in the "MTN Ultimate Wonder promo" after a draw held at the Golden plaza, Ikoyi office of MTN in the presence of reporters, representatives of the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The Nigerian Punch reports that the Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Mr. Larry Annetts, described the draw as "interesting, credible and transparent." Business Day Online reports that Annetts told reporters in Lagos: “When we came out with the promo, many doubted us but today we have an ultimate winner who will go home with the promised Cessna 182T aeroplane. The take-home for us here is that MTN is committed towards enriching the lives of its consumers. “When we say we will do something, you can be sure that we don’t renege on our promises. The can-do-spirit is forever guiding our paths in offering utmost satisfaction to our consumers and we are glad that today a Nigerian has been enriched and empowered with an aeroplane.” According to The Punch, Essien-Garricks opted for the cash value of the airplane, N64 million ($390,000), when she was notified by a phone call that she had won the star prize. AllAfrica.com reports she was writing an examination paper in her school in Port Harcourt when her name was announced in Lagos as winner of the plane. But her cellphone was switched off in the examination hall and she did not know that MTN officials were trying to contact her to break the good news. After several unsuccessful attempts, MTN officials decided to get in touch with her through family and friends listed in her Facebook page. According to AllAFrica.com, when MTN officials finally contacted her, she broke out in shouts of joy that drew the attention of people around her. Friends and acquaintances joined her in celebration when they learned what the excitement was about. The Punch reports that Essien-Garricks, overwhelmed with emotionsdescribed the prize as "a true wonder" and best "Christmas gift ever." She said: “I am short of words, there is no word to describe what I feel right now, it is almost as if it is a dream but I know that nothing can be more real than what I am feeling right now. This must be the best Christmas gift ever. It is truly wonderful." The assistant Director, Lagos zone of the NLRC, Mr Obi Iriegbu, said the process that led to the selection of winners was transparent and credible. He said: “We started this journey together, ensuring that the consumers’ interests are protected and that the brand fulfills its promises. So far so good, it has been a credible and transparent process leading to the Ultimate winner of the aeroplane promised, from the beginning of the promo." AllAfrica.com reports the "MTN Ultimate Wonder promo" started in August. MTN has given 1,200 people N150, 000 each. A total of 12 winners recieved N2 million each at the regional cash prize presentations in Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The formal presentation of the N64 million cash value of the airplane will come later. Last year, at the celebration of MTN's 10 years anniversary in Nigeria, 90 MTN service users won cash prizes of N10 million each. In another promotional campaign early this year, the company gave out 100 xi35 SUVs. Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com