–The scheme allows Nigerians to buy android phones and ‘Pay Small-Small’
By Foster Obi
Foremost telecommunications company MTN Nigeria has partnered with PayJoy, a Silicon Valley-based technology company, Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest mobile devices distributor, TD Mobile and Sterling Bank to unveil a revolutionary, technology-driven device financing scheme which will enable Nigerians from all walks of life own high-end devices by paying at flexible installments.
According to the organizers, the scheme (which kicks off immediately) basically allows any Nigerian with a bank account to walk into a designated MTN office, get a smart phone of his choice within 10 minutes and “Pay small small,” in an easy and convenient arrangement. The repayment period lasts between one and six months based on the buyer’s capacity.
The official launch of the scheme was held at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island on Wednesday October 31st, 2018.
In attendance at the event were representatives of PayJoy, MTN, TD Mobile, Sterling Bank as well as Samsung – the first Smart phone brand signed up for the scheme.
In her opening speech at the well-attended event, Managing Director, TD Mobile, Mrs. Gozy Ijogun expressed her delight with the PayJoy offering and TD’s role as device suppliers, especially in view of the opportunity it presents in deepening smart phone penetration in the country.
“With TD’s agility, millions of Nigerians are assured of the constant availability of the devices at multiple locations and in every MTN store nationwide. We are delighted at this development as it will not only empower more Nigerians to own devices that were hitherto out of their reach, but will also boost smart phone penetration in Nigeria.”
PayJoy’s General Manager for Africa, Dominique Friedl affirmed the revolutionary nature of the device financing scheme which relies heavily on technology in creating a seamless process for subscribers.
“PayJoy’s mobile locking technology and data science enable financial inclusion for billions worldwide. Our secure mobile locking technology and world class data science enables people in emerging markets worldwide to qualify for smart phone financing and cash loans that would otherwise be unavailable.”
“You do not have to be a working-class Nigerian or salary earner to subscribe to this scheme or own that desired device. All you need to do is walk into the nearest MTN store,” he affirmed.
The scheme will be available in designated MTN stores in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt this week.
Interestingly, the PayJoy offer stands out from other device financing schemes due to the convenient, flexible and value-adding benefits it provides to subscribers, a point MTN Nigeria’s Senior Manager, Data and Devices, Abiodun Ajayi was quick to point out.
“There are loads of freebies and incentives to help interested customers derive more value. These include free 2GB data every month and access to a suite of MTN offerings such as MTN Pulse, MTN Music Plus and many others.”
On his part, Sterling Bank’s Group Head Strategy and Innovation, Shina Atilola who disclosed the organization’s crucial role in the scheme, encouraged Nigerians to sign up for the offer, notwithstanding their social status.
“As financial partners, Sterling Bank is committed to ensuring that the devices are readily available for your convenience. The scheme is open to all classes of Nigerians and you do not necessarily have to be a salary earner to qualify, so I encourage everyone to sign up for it. This is one of the surest and most convenient ways to own a high-end smart phone without burning a hole in your pocket.”
Pix: L-R: General Manager PayJoy Africa, Dominique Freidl; Group Head, Strategy & Innovation, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Shina Atilola; Managing Director, TD Mobile, Mrs. Gozy Ijogun; Sales & Distribution Executive, Mr. Adekunle Adebiyi, Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Rahul De and Senior Manager Data & Devices, Mr. Abiodun Ajayi, all of MTN Nigeria at the launch of MTN Device Financing Scheme in partnership with PayJoy and Sterling Bank held at Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 31st, 2018.
