MTN Nigeria, the country’s leading  telecommunications company, penultimate weekend turned the entire Maiduguri metropolis into a yellow community by spicing up the installation ceremony of the newly appointed Shehu of Borno, HRM,  Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai with series of activities that added panache to the event.  The prestigious event, witnessed by dignitaries from all walks of life, was held at the popular Ramat Square, Maiduguri on Sunday, May 31, 2009.

Speaking to newsmen at the palace of the Shehu, on the importance attached to the celebration of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, Mr Ibrahim Abba Gana, General Manager, Business Intelligence, MTN said that “MTN has a track record of partnering and supporting the heritage of Nigerians generally.”

The essence of MTN coming to participate in the epochal event is to associate and partner with the people of Bornu, celebrate their heritage and rejoice with the newly installed Shehu.”

Abba Gana maintained that the company is proud to be in Borno State at this point in time. The company, he said, “has come also to showcase its products and services. Basically, we have a mandate to expose the cultural heritage of major communities in Nigeria to the outside world. I wish the Shehu long life; Allah’s blessing, peace and tranquility throughout his reign.”

Responding when senior officials of MTN paid him a courtesy visit preceding the installation ceremony, the Shehu was full of praises for MTN for identifying with the age_long heritage of the Bornu people. Going down memory lane, he recalled that the Bornu Empire is more than one thousand years old. He expressed his gratitude for the MTN deeming it fit to support his installation

He said that the activities being undertaken by MTN in this state are very commendable. According to the Shehu, “I am highly impressed and I wish the company well because since the ceremony started, I have seen them getting busy, participating in all the activities lined up for the coronation and creating awareness for what is happening. I thank them for coming and I wish them very well,” he said.

Over 100 traditional rulers from Niger Republic, Chad, Sudan and Cameroon graced the installation ceremony which also had in attendance top echelon of Nigeria’s traditional institution.