Nineteen and a half years after joining Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah last week formally assumed a new position in Dubai, UAE, as the Vice President, Corporate Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Africa Plc, with responsibility for 14 countries.
Before the appointment, Oparah was Director and Vice President, Corporate Communication & CSR in the Nigeria office where he diligently served the Telecommunications company and effectively discharged his responsibilities in various capacities.
A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and The Management School, London, Opara before joining Airtel had worked as Media Relations Manager at Cadbury Nigeria Limited.
Oparah’s appointment is indeed well-deserved judging by his excellent performance that has seen him working with seven Chief Executive Officers as the company transformed from Econet Wireless ( now Zain), Vmobile, Celtel Nigeria Limited to Airtel Nigeria.
His ability to manage the ownership and management crisis, seven leadership and brand six names changes validates his reputation as one of the best Corporate Communication experts Nigeria has produced, whose service and experience would be valuable at the continental level of Airtel’s operations.
As attested to by communication and media industry stakeholders, Oparah has ensured best practices in Public Relations, Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility over the years that has earned him various awards and commendations.
We have no doubt that Oparah will live up to expectations in his new higher position and even surpass it as he did in Nigeria.
Given necessary support, he has all it takes to further enhance the image of Airtel in Africa as a good corporate citizen committed to offering excellent telecommunications products and services.
Oparah’s career journey should be an inspiration to other colleagues and aspiring public relations professionals on what they can achieve if they are as steadfast as they should be in pursuit of their career goals and aspirations.
We commend Airtel for prioritising the communication role in its operations which made it possible for Oparah to attain his present status in the company at the continental level.
Our best wishes to Oparah and the team he will be working with to achieve the goals set for them.