MTN Nigeria has flagged off a competition for mobile applications (apps) developers.
Christened MTN App Developer Challenge, it is targeted at the development of the relevant mobile applications relevant to the Nigerian market.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Lagos, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Larry Annetts, said: “The MTN App Developer Challenge is a demonstration of our commitment to deliver a bold new digital world to our various stakeholders.
“This initiative represents a tangible and credible platform to make our brand promise a reality as well as promote the growth and use of locally relevant content, which would help develop the Nigerian ecosystem via partnerships that are beneficial to the ecosystem at large.”
He said mobile applications have become an essential feature for most mobile users, adding that a growing number of Nigerians now rely on their mobile phones as the preferred choice to stay in touch and be developments in society. He said this has made local Nigerian mobile content more relevant and important than ever before.
According to the marketing chief, MTN, in fulfilment of its brand promise and commitment to enriching the lives of Nigerians, had partnered with neXva, a multi-OS app ecosystem solutions provider to launch a branded version of the App Store called MTN NextApps Store. He said there are 1330 Apps on MTN store, made up of 1213 Free Apps, and117 Premium Apps. He said the collection is growing with a large focus on Nigerian applications.
General Manager Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Kola Oyeyemi, expressed optimism that the Challenge would produce results that are beneficial to the country, especially in the area of development of locally relevant applications that address the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.