Obafemi Banigbe emerges 9mobile new CEO

Obafemi Banigbe, a technology business executive and telecommunications expert, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), also known as 9mobile.

Banigbe’s appointment is a component of 9mobile’s strategy for a new phase of business transformation, according to a statement issued on Thursday. He succeeds Juergen Peschel, who will continue to serve as a consultant to the organisation during this transition.

The company emphasized that this leadership change aligns with their tradition of ensuring business continuity as they embark on a comprehensive transformation process.

Highlighting Banigbe’s extensive career in the telecoms industry, 9mobile noted his previous roles, including Director of Operations at Celtel (now Airtel Nigeria) and various key positions at Ericsson within the Sub-Saharan Africa Market Unit. He has also served as Chief Operations Officer at Millicom Ghana and held leadership roles in both Millicom Ghana and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.

Banigbe’s career also includes experience as Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Silver Rock Technology Services Ghana and as a Non-Executive Director at Amplitude Telecoms in Nigeria. He has provided strategic advice to the Telecel Group, Nsano Group, and Kirusa group in the USA.

Banigbe holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, and has furthered his education through the Ericsson Management Development Program, the Advanced Management Program at the London Business School, and an MBA from Manchester Business School, UK.

The Board of 9mobile expressed optimism about Banigbe’s appointment, stating, “We are excited about the future under Obafemi’s leadership. His vision, passion, and extensive experience will be crucial in enhancing our customer experience and maintaining network quality.”

Banigbe shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “I am delighted to join 9mobile and look forward to leveraging my experience to lead the company through its next exciting phase. Our goal is to build on the company’s existing strengths to drive value and transformation in the Nigerian telecoms sector.”