MTN Nigeria Denies Shortchanging Promo Winner

MTN Nigeria said it received with shock, the news that the Consumers Protection Council (CPC) ordered that it pays N1.850m to one Fidelis Omeje who claimed he had won N2m in one of the Telco's promos.

In a press statement through Mr. Kayode‎ Olagesi, CEO of Towncriers, the experiential marketing agency that managed the prize presentation on behalf of MTN, the Company said they feel obliged to address the subject matter in view of the misrepresentation which has since caused substantial embarrassment, over a process which was conducted professionally and under the supervision of credible regulatory and audit agencies.

Olagesi‎ said, "Whilst we were not party to any proceedings conducted by the CPC over the claim by Mr. Omeje Chukwuma Fidelis, we state without any equivocation that the process of selection of and the list of winners was duly endorsed and vetted by all parties involved, including the client, MTN Nigeria, renowned auditors, Alexander Forbes and the National Lottery Commission. Consequently, Mr. Fidelis was confirmed as a winner in the N150,000.00 category and not the N2m category."

He said that Mr. Fidelis was inadvertently issued a dummy cheque in the wrong sum which was later clarified to him pursuant to which he did receive and acknowledge his winnings of the sum of N150,000.00 in November, 2012.

"We were therefore surprised when our attention was again drawn to this particular promo which was concluded almost four years ago with Mr. Fidelis and all other winners in the said promotion receiving their prizes".

He added that in any event, having organised the prize presentation ceremony, they are desirous of final closure on the subject and following the CPC’s position, "we expect that Mr. Omeje Chukwuma Fidelis’ receipt of the sum of N1,850,000.00, without prejudice to our reservations, will bring this matter to a close.

Olagesi, added that as a long-standing marketing communications partner, they remain committed to providing excellent services to the clients, MTN inclusive.

"Our services to MTN are in the area of experiential marketing and events management, working in different capacities since 2007.

"With regards to the issue at hand, we are aware that MTN as a matter of policy engages independent auditors and relevant regulatory agencies to supervise their promos, as was done in this case. Indeed, the testimonials of hundreds of winners over the years lends credence to the authenticity of these promos," he concluded.