The build up to the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Nigerian Telecom Revolution got a boost with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications services provider, declaring its participation at a major platform to mark the event, the West African ICT Congress, as platinum sponsor.

Airtel Nigeria's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rajan Swaroop, who has already been confirmed as a lead speaker at the conference, said "Airtel will like to use the opportunity that WAFICT Congress provides to join the government and people of Nigeria in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the telecom revolution in the country, which it pioneered on August 6th, 2001 as the first operator to launch commercial service in Nigeria."

"Over the years, we have maintained the enviable track record of being the best in terms of customer service, which is really the major differentiator in a market that offers virtually the same services. We see a great need to continue to give to the Nigerian people the best services ever, to put smiles on their faces, to help enhance their lives socially, economically, educationally and in all aspects that will make them experience life in its best possible ways. Indeed Airtel is committed to giving Nigerians the freedom to live and actualise their dreams."

WAFICT Congress 2011 will be held in Lagos from June 14-16, alongside the 11th edition of the West African International Telecommunications and Information Communication Technology exhibition (W.Afri.Tel).

WAFICT Congress 2011 is being organised by IT & Telecom Digest magazine, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO).

Chief Executive of the CTO, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, who commented on the Airtel's sponsorship, said "Airtel has exhibited by this sponsorship of the WAFICT 2011, its seriousness and commitment to the telecom industry in Nigeria and indeed, Africa and the world. Airtel also thereby exhibits a readiness to not only deliver on its promise on quality services, but to also support the telecom industry to grow and to support activities of government that encourage continues growth of the telecom sector and the economy in general. This is a commendable step."

Editor-in-Chief of IT & Telecom Digest, Mr. Mkpe Abang, said: "As a frontline global telecommunications operator, Airtel has confirmed its focus as an operator that values its customers, its environment and its areas of operations. By sponsoring and participating at WAFICT 2011, Airtel will be contributing immensely towards stimulating discourse that will take the Nigerian telecom industry to the next level.