Nasarawa pupil outsmarts terrorists to become MTN boss, displaces Toriola for one day
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Victor Daniel, aged 12, a pupil of Intimacy with Christ Secondary School, Mararaba in Nasarawa, on Wednesday became honorary MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for one day after escaping terrorist attacks in the North Central and besting fellow pupils in a nationwide competition.
The one-day CEO idea is a carryover from the Bola Tinubu years as Lagos Governor (1999-2007) when he organised competitions for pupils from which the winner became Governor for one day – an innovation Tinubu himself borrowed from America where he school but failed to obtain a genuine certificate.
Tinubu has not organised such a competition since he became President on 29 May 2023, probably because Naija is too hot for just any kid to handle.
Victor on Wednesday temporarily got the job of Karl Toriola – one of Nigeria’s best CEOs – as reward for winning the 2023 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition organised by the mobile market leader for pupils aged between nine and 15 to prepare them for future leadership.
The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee is a self-development proposition designed by MTN to promote digital literacy and academic excellence, and thus contribute to enhancing the educational sector.
“The 12-year-old stepped into the shoes of industry veteran Karl Toriola at the helm of Africa’s largest telecommunications network at 9 am on Wednesday, January 31,” MTN announced in a statement.
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Victor feels honoured
When Victor mounted the saddle at a meeting with MTN executives and media representatives, said: “I’m honoured to be here today. Leading Nigeria’s largest telecommunications company, even just for today, is a very special experience for me and I want to thank my family, my teachers, and everyone who cheered me on while I prepared for this competition. I look forward to learning a lot.”