MTN Nigeria has appointed Funso Aina as senior manager, external relations with immediate effect.
In his new role, Mr Aina will provide deep insight on strategy and drive targeted engagement with MTN’s critical stakeholders.
He will also provide support in the business’ strategic approach towards enhancing its corporate reputation, particularly as regards engaging and managing critical stakeholders.
With over 22 years work experience in journalism, cultural diplomacy and telecommunications, Aina is celebrated as a result-oriented professional with varied competencies and hands-on experience in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, public affairs and crisis management.
A 1992 history graduate of the University of Ilorin, Aina acquired a master’s degree in international relations from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1998).
He is an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
His earlier education were Saint Joseph Secondary School, Agege where he got his O/levels and King’s College, Lagos for A/levels.
Aina joined MTN Nigeria in January 2009, and until his latest appointment, he was the company’s public relations manager where he had oversight responsibility for MTN’s reputation and perception management, stakeholder management, media relations and PR leveraging for all activities; corporate sponsorships and events management.
Prior to joining MTN, he was the communications manager of British Council, UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.
Before then, he was at different times, The PUNCH’s chief correspondent in Aso Rock (Presidential Villa), Abuja; foreign affairs correspondent and a member of the newspaper’s editorial board.
Other portfolios he has previously held include assistant editor with The Nation and senior reporter with Independent Communications Network Limited, publishers of TheNews, Tempo and PM News.
His remarkable reportorial skill was recognised by the US State Department in 2003 when he was invited to the US under its prestigious International Visitors’ Programme.
The Commonwealth Press Union extended a similar gesture to him when it admitted him to its fellowship in London in 2005.
He once did job shadowing in British Council, India and also had a stint as an intern in a UK newspaper, Portsmouth News.
Married with three children, Aina’s taste in music is catholic. He listens to jazz, soul, highlife, R&B, blues, agidigbo, dadakuada, awurebe and juju.
A supporter of Manchester United, his other hobbies include reading, writing and watching movies.
