By Nnamdi Ojiego

Outgoing MD/CEO of Starcomms Plc., Mr Maher Qubain has described innovative ideas and laudable initiatives as key to business growth and sustainance.

This he said, has enabled his company surmount many challenges in its way to become the only telco to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Qubain who spoke to journalists in Lagos to officially announce his exit as CEO of Starcomms, said he was retiring to allow people with new ideas, skills and expertise to make their own inputs to the growth of the organisation.

“Starcomms is a very unique company. It is trying to grow and the only way to grow is by bringing new ideas, expertise and skills to the company”, he explained stressing that though the firm was facing challenges, particularly in the voice market, it is still alive and cash positive.

Speaking further, the former Starcomms boss disclosed that collapse of some CDMA operators had nothing to do with technology but management and assured that measures were put in place to consolidate Starcomms leadership status in data market of the sector.

He also said he has been appointed advisor to the Board of Directors and to the CEO, a position which he said would enable him continue to serve the organisation. “I am not taking any job elsewhere.

Starcomms is a big project and that’s is my focus. Therefore, I will dedicate my energy, time and every other resources to ensure that the company continues to grow in terms of acquisition and expansion”, he assured while expressing joy that he has created a lot of legacies on which his successors would build.

According to him, he joined Starcomms when it was operating as a fixed wireless operator in Lagos with 2,500 subscribers and four base stations.

“Since then, the company has grown into a national telecommunication operator with presence in 22 states, 31 cities, 175 towns, over 900 base stations and 1.6 million active subscribers. It is a leader in broadband data and has won many awards for brand, quality and innovation.”

Starcomms Chairman, Chief Maan Lababidi said the telco would miss Maher Qubain. “Maher has been key in the evolution of Starcomms.

During his tenure, the company became the first telecom operator to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

“He has been a tremendous asset to Starcomms and we will indeed miss his insightful leadership and deep knowledge of the Nigerian and International telecoms market.

To ensure continuity and benefit from Qubain’s 22 years of telecom experience with over nine years in Nigeria, Maher will become advisor to the Board of Directors and to the CEO”, Lababidi stated.