By Nnamdi Ojiego
MTN Nigeria, one of the leading GSM operators in the country has once again showed that it is an
organisation of many firsts by being the first company in the telecoms sector to introduce what it called ‘MTN Fan Parks and Viewing Centres’ to enable its customers especially, football lovers have an experiential feeling of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Fan Parks and Viewing Centres, which have become a delight to football loving Nigerians, are no doubt living up to expectation of connecting the viewers to their passion irrespective of their locations in the country.

Speaking on the rationale for the MTN Fan Parks, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Kola Oyeyemi, said: “As the Official Mobile Operator of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the very first on the African soil, this for us is one of the numerous ways of bringing the excitement of the World Cup to our esteemed customers.”

Oyeyemi further stated that the MTN Fan Parks and Viewing Centres are provided with uninterrupted power supply to ensure round-the-clock viewing in a convivial atmosphere.
At the MTN Fan Park located at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, it was a complete package of sports and entertainment. A sports enthusiast, Yusuf Mohammed, who watched one of the  matches at the centre, and Mr Innocent Agu who watched at Teslim Balogun Stadium expressed gratitude to MTN for the initiative which made it possible for them and many others to view live matches via giant screens in a cosy environment.

They lauded MTN for the various side attractions provided at the park, which included music, ‘Predict and Win promo’ and other games that engaged the audience throughout the duration of the matches.

The ‘Predict and Win’ promo allows those who predict correctly the scores or result of every match to win instant prizes on daily basis till the end of the mundial. According to Yusuf, “this has created a sense of belonging that will make the memory of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa a lasting one.”

Meanwhile, the MTN Fan Parks are spread across the country. In Lagos, they are located at Tafawa Balewa Square; Police College, Ikeja; Teslim Balogun Stadium; Campos Square and Double 4, Victoria Island. Others are at the Abuja Millennium Park; El Kanemi Sporting Stadium, Maiduguri; Magwan Centre, Kano; Liberty Stadium, Ibadan; National Museum of Unity, Enugu; Vandoz Place, Owerri and Calabar Municipality along Marian Road.