BBC World Service has announced a new partnership with MTN Nigeria to deliver BBC News Minute bulletins, free of charge to subscribers of the MyMTN App in English, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin and Yoruba. 

This is the first time an international news organisation will feature in the MyMTN App. BBC News Minute is the BBC’s 60 second news round-up that keeps audiences across different demographics up to date with what is trending and shared on social media as well as the latest local and global news –  updated at regular intervals 24 hours a day seven days a week.  It will showcase the latest news in sport, tech, entertainment, science and more to the BBC’s number one audience in Africa – Nigeria.

Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye, Head of West Africa Languages, BBC World Service says, “This partnership with MTN is at the core of the BBC’s commitment to reaching audiences wherever they may be. It is one of the ways in which the BBC is demonstrating its commitment to Nigeria and we are thrilled about this new engagement with young audiences in this country.”

Also speaking on the partnership is the Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria, Srinivas Rao who says “we are proud of this partnership. It is one of the ways we offer young Nigerians more channels to consume relevant information. In an era where fake news spread easily especially through social media, credible platforms like this make a lot of difference.”

“This exciting deal will raise brand and awareness of BBC World Service for young consumers.  It will build on the well-established reputation of the BBC for quality news and information and reach out to a new generation of Nigerians. The launch is timely as content will also update audiences on the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa,” announced Mary Lusiba, Head of African Business Development, BBC World service.