The Independent Telecommunications Network (ITN), headquartered in Ibadan, held a significant meeting over the weekend to officially welcome Mr. Sesan Rufus Awobiye as its new Ambassador.
The gathering highlights a remarkable moment in the company’s journey, not only formal introduction but also strategic business session aimed at solidifying ITN’s future direction and expanding its growth prospects. The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, laying the foundation for an exciting phase of transformation and innovation at ITN.
The Meeting: A Collaborative Milestone for ITN’s Future
The meeting began with an introduction from Engineer Abayomi Ogbago, Head of Business Development, Strategy, and Marketing at ITN. Engineer Ogbago warmly welcomed the attendees and set the tone for the day. He humorously referred to an earlier informal discussion, calling it “the cabals” – a lighthearted reference to the productive behind-the-scenes talks that had already occurred. ITN is more than a business; it’s a family, said Engineer Ogbago, underscoring the collaborative and close-knit culture that defines the organization.
Following the introduction, the meeting turned into an in-depth session, with key ITN leaders outlining their collective vision for the future. It became clear that while growth and development were central to the meeting, a strong focus was placed on strategic planning and building a solid foundation before pursuing rapid expansion.
Earlier, a preliminary meeting was held at the office of ITN’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mrs. Temitope Famuyiwa. At the meeting were Mr. Sesan Rufus Awobiye, ITN Vice Chairman Dr. Enoch Adelowo, Engineer Oluwasegun Omoni (Head of Technical Department), and Dr. Abayomi Ogbago. The smaller, more intimate meeting will allow a deeper dive into the specific goals and objectives that would shape ITN’s trajectory going forward.
Engineer Ogbago’s Remarks: Fostering Internal Strength
Engineer Ogbago emphasized that ITN’s success would not be achieved through flashy external displays, but through steady internal growth. Slow and steady wins the race, he said, emphasizing the company’s philosophy of building internal capacity before making waves in the market. We want to fly, not just run, he added, pointing out that ITN’s approach to business would focus on sustainability rather than following trends or rushing to compete with the bigger players in the telecom space.
He also highlighted that the company had recently engaged in a productive conversation with Mr. Rufus, noting that the Ambassador had shared valuable ideas that aligned closely with ITN’s vision. This, according to Ogbago, was a crucial step in shaping the company’s approach moving
forward. The synergy between Mr. Rufus’s ideas and ITN’s long-term strategy would help them distinguish themselves in the competitive telecommunications landscape.
Vision and Legacy: 20 Years in the Making
Dr. Enoch Adelowo, Vice Chairman of ITN, took the stage next, offering a heartfelt reflection on the journey that led to ITN’s current position. He spoke with emotion about how the company’s mission was conceived over two decades ago, in 2004, through a vision he believed to be divinely inspired. ITN is not just a company; it is a dream that has been incubating for 20 years, Dr. Enoch stated, underscoring the perseverance and dedication required to bring the vision to life. He credited much of ITN’s success to the integrity of its leadership team, which had been unwavering in its pursuit of the company’s objectives.
Dr. Adelowo elaborates on the concept of ITN as a “relay,” a long-term mission that will be passed from one generation to the next. We are building something that will last not just for us, but for the generations to come, he said. This philosophy of legacy-building resonated deeply with the team and was especially poignant as they welcomed Mr. Rufus into the fold as the company’s Ambassador.
He also introduced a unique aspect of ITN’s mission: a commitment to support agriculture in Nigeria and West Africa. As part of its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) vision, ITN has pledged to dedicate 10% of its profits to aid peasant farmers, providing them with the resources and support needed to boost food production and alleviate poverty. This initiative, he explained, aligns with ITN’s broader mission to not only transform the telecommunications industry but also contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
As he concluded his remarks, Dr. Enoch expressed his excitement about the journey ahead. This is just the beginning, he said, expressing his confidence in ITN’s future. We are ready to build something that will outlast us, something that our children will be proud of.
A Clear Commitment to Growth and Innovation
Engineer Oluwasegun Omoni, Head of ITN’s Technical Department, gave an insightful presentation on the company’s technological infrastructure and readiness to challenge the dominant telecom players in Nigeria. He stated confidently, We are ready to disrupt the market, outlining the technical team’s vision for a network that would outpace competitors. If we implement everything we have planned, ITN will not just compete; we will be superior.
Engr. Omoni emphasized the importance of starting with the basics: building physical infrastructure. His team is already in the process of developing masts, with Ibadan being the starting point for ITN’s nationwide roll out. He noted that once the masts were operational, ITN would be positioned to attract investors, signaling the company’s seriousness in the market.
The CFO, Mrs. Temitope Famuyiwa underscored the importance of securing funding for ITN’s infrastructure projects. She urged the team to focus on securing at least one mast to showcase their commitment to the project. Once we have just one mast up and running, we will be able to attract investors, she said. With the leadership of our Ambassador, we will be ready for anything.
Sesan Rufus Awobiye: A Strategic Visionary
Mr. Sesan Rufus Awobiye, the newly appointed Ambassador, addressed the group with humility and conviction, emphasizing the importance of integrity and visible progress in achieving business success. Integrity is everything, he said, reflecting on his years of experience in business.
If we don’t deliver on our promises, we lose everything. Mr. Rufus underscored the importance of making a strong, visible statement in the market, suggesting that ITN’s infrastructure should reflect the company’s ambition. We need to show Nigeria that we are serious, he said. Our mast infrastructure must be a statement – not just in Ibadan, but across the country.
Mr. Rufus also emphasized the need to work closely with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and potential investors. He stressed the importance of securing the necessary licenses and leveraging ITN’s growing network to build credibility and attract attention from potential investors.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
The leadership team laid out a clear road map for ITN’s future, with immediate next steps focusing on securing provisional licenses, finalizing the network’s physical infrastructure, and engaging with investors.
Dr. Enoch said; “This is our time to build something that will stand the test of time. With Mr. Sesan Rufus Awobiye at the helm, ITN is poised to make its mark on Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. The company’s commitment to its vision of growth, sustainability, and social responsibility ensures that its legacy will not only endure but will also positively impact future generations.”
As ITN continues to expand under Mr. Sesan Rufus Awobiye’s leadership, it is clear that the company is not just building a telecommunications network but a lasting legacy that will shape the future of Nigeria and West Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
The company is ready to take its place among the giants of the industry and leave an indelible mark on the sector as the meeting was bought to conclusion with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.
