What really would bring creative minds
together in a relaxed atmosphere especially on a Sunday evening where they
could have been at home surrounded by family and friends eating the Sunday,
Sunday Jollof Rice or maybe just chit chatting; generally hanging out? Well,
a lot of things could have… especially when it’s a BHM organised parol. *wink*
Sunday the 17th of June, 2012
saw peeps from both the print and electronic media and friends of MTN, MTV Base fam come together for the launch
of the MTV Base Meets … with MTN Season 2.
Though the event didn’t start early, people
waited in anticipation of that which is to come… Drink and finger food went
round while people ceased the opportunity to talk and exchange pleasantries.
Finally, the time came and people gathered
round to listen to the panelists: Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President &
Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, Jennifer
Roberti, Executive for Group Marketing, MTN, Kola Oyeyemi, GM, Consumer Marketing, MTN
Nigeria, and Liberian-born singer Jerrilyn Mulbah who was a youth panelist
during the Season 1 of the MTV Base Meets which featured Nigerian businessman
Aliko Dangote.
In his speech Alex Okosi says it’s
important to provide strong role models, heroes and mentors to help young
people achieve their goals especially in our competitive environment hence MTV Base
Meets … with MTN. Speaking on behalf of
MTN Jennifer Roberti says the company got involved since its inception in 2011
because of the need to bring the youth and leaders together in an open dialogue
and debate.Also buttressing on the fact that sometimes
questioning and challenging can be just
as educational and inspiring.
Kola Oyeyemi added that the initiative will
serve as a bridge for growing segments of Africa’s population to connect with
decision makers through dialogue. He also stated that MTN is a part of the initiative because it serves as a way of investing and enriching lives by linking
the youth with key 'infuencers' who will inspire them to reach for greater
heights.
The inspirational Season 1 hosted by VJ
Cynthia Mbanefo featured Ben Murray-Bruce
of the Silverbird Group, British entrepreneur and humanitarian Sir
Richard Branson, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Nobel Prize laureate and President of Liberia Madame Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, American Grammy-winning R&B artiste Alicia Keys, South African
Politician Julius Malema and legendary Musician and activist Hugh Masekela.
The hosts for the Season 2 are VJs Sizwe
Dhlomo Modise and Vanessa Mdee and as it
resumes on the 1st of August, 2012, some of the famous personalities
to watch out for are Nigeria’s former President and Head of State, Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo, Hip-Hop Pioneer and entrepreneur Russell Simmons, Togolese
international soccer star and Manchester City Striker Emmanuel Adebayor, and
South Sudanese super Model Alek Wek while the final episode will see eight
young people win an all-expense paid trip to meet Seneglese American R&B
and Hip-Hop artiste Akon in the USA in September.
Some of the stations to watch the MTV Base Meets
… with MTN are MTV Base (DSTV Channel
322), and on terrestrial stations across the continent: In Nigeria: STV and NTA,
Viasat (Ghana), Swazi Tv (Swaziland), Spectrum Tv (Cameroon) and others.
To wrap up the evening, media
representatives had a chance to talk to the panelist one on one and also 10
lucky winners went home with the newest Samsung Galaxy Tab. Amongst them are
Tosyn Bucknor of Top Radio, Abiola Aloba, Eniola Ola, Fashion Designer Ore and
Funsho Arogundade.
Need I say special thanks to Ayeni Adekunle
Samuel of Black House Media (BHM) and his wonderful team for a great Sunday
evening.
Cheers!
<< L.O Opere>>
Contact
Twitter: @#MTVMEETS
In ‘our’ world of young
and talented lots comes Okechukwu Dickson aka Okey Sokay.
