Yemisi Izuora
Pilgrims embarking on the 2015 Hajj have commended leading ICT Company, MTN Nigeria, for offering free incoming calls while roaming in Saudi Arabia.
This is in addition to special discounted rates for calls and data services.
MTN, as part of it efforts towards making the Pilgrimage a worthwhile experience for the pilgrims, commenced specially discounted rates on Voice, SMS and Data to all roaming customers in Saudi Arabia during Hajj.
The offer will give opportunity to pilgrims to receive calls and SMS from Family and Friends in Nigeria for FREE, and Pilgrims will touch base with their loved ones for as low as N35 while in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the discounted rates, MTN Nigeria also distributed travel kits such as sling bags, money pouch, slippers and free MTN SIMs to intending Pilgrims across 14 Hajj Camps in Nigeria.
Seeing the efforts made by MTN, Alhaja Kudirat Badmus, a business woman as well as a pilgrim from Oke-Ogun in Oyo state commended MTN for the opportunity to receive call for free while in the holy land.
She said, “I like to keep in touch with my family during the pilgrimage and I prefer using voice calls to do this so. I am delighted that calls to my family will not only be hitch-free but also affordable during the Hajj season.”
Dr. Saliu Abdulwaheed, a medical doctor and one of the pilgrims spoke at the Lagos Mobilization camp before departing for the holy land. He commended MTN for the initiative, describing it as a boost to their trip to the Holy Land.
“From experience, receiving and making calls during the Hajj has always been an expensive experience for people like me who roam their lines, but MTN’s initiative on this discounted rates will surely be a boost to my pilgrimage.”
For Rilwan Ayokun, the discounted rates will add to his spiritual experience during the Hajj. While extoling MTN for the gesture, Ayokun expressed optimism that this year’s Hajj pilgrimage will be a unique experience for him.
“I think MTN deserves a lot of commendation for this move. For me, it is a part of my Hajj experience and I am confident that MTN’s contribution through this discounted call rates and Data charges will make the Hajj experience worthwhile for me.” He said.
The General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge, said, “MTN as a brand is always seeking ways to make its customers life better through our products and services.
We also deemed it fit and important, that during this special period for our Muslim subscribers, we can help them connect and stay stronger in their faith and belief. It is for this reason that we have given them this support to make them achieve their religious obligations.”
Richard further said that with the special rates for voice calls, SMS and data and free incoming call while the holy land, the experience will surely be worth the while for all pilgrims on the MTN network.