MTN Nigeria Names New CTO and CMO

MTN Nigeria has taken a bold step into its next chapter of telecom service delivery with the appointment of Yahaya Ibrahim as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Both appointments were effective as of 14 October 2024, marking the beginning of a strategic move to bolster the company’s technical and marketing operations.

Trailblazing Leadership in Technology

Yahaya Ibrahim’s journey at MTN spans over two decades, during which he became instrumental in driving the company’s technological advancements. Known for leading the deployment of Nigeria’s first 4G and 5G networks, Ibrahim cemented MTN’s position as a front-runner in cutting-edge telecom infrastructure.

As General Manager of Network Implementation in 2015, he oversaw the rollout of more than 37,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure, a feat that has significantly boosted connectivity across the nation.

Ibrahim’s academic credentials are as impressive as his professional achievements. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from the University of Abuja, followed by a Master’s in Telecommunications from Birmingham City University. Further honing his leadership skills, he completed executive programs at Lagos Business School and Harvard Business School.

Marketing Mastery with Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka

Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka’s career at MTN began in 2001, and her impressive trajectory within the company shows her exceptional capabilities. Starting as a Corporate Sales Executive, she climbed the ranks playing, important roles, including General Manager of Enterprise Sales, Enterprise Marketing, and Fixed Broadband.

Most recently serving as Chief Broadband Officer, Ikenna-Emeka spearheaded the growth of MTN’s fixed broadband services. Under her leadership, the company expanded its subscriber base to over three million, a milestone that underscores her impact on both MTN and the telecom sector in Nigeria.

Ikenna-Emeka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Calabar and an MBA in General Management from the University of Manchester. She is a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and has completed executive programs at prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Lagos Business Schools. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Cranfield University, her academic journey mirrors her commitment to continuous growth.

A Bold Step Forward

With over two decades of combined expertise within MTN, the pair represents technical and strategic leadership — one that positions the company to tackle emerging challenges in the ever-evolving telecom landscape.