Soun hails Mr. Stuffman, Ogbomoso indigene, behind launch of new telecom company, Lebara Nigeria

Image caption: Oba Ghandi Olaoye (fifth), flanked to his immediate right by Mrs. Teniola Stuffman and to the left by Mr. Ayo Stuffman, with others

Soun hails Mr. Stuffman, Ogbomoso indigene, behind launch of new telecom company, Lebara Nigeria

Bolaji David

Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III has commended businessman, Ayo Stuffman, and his wife, Teniola, over the launch of a new telecommunications company in Nigeria, Lebara Nigeria, which is a subsidiary of the United Kingdom-based telecoms group, Lebara Group.

The launch programme which came up at Ikoyi, Lagos witnessed the unveiling of its logo and will soon roll out its commercial lines.

“Lebara Group has been a trusted provider of affordable, reliable, and quality mobile services across three continents and nine countries. We are excited that Nigeria is now a part of the Lebara family,” it is stated on its website. “Our commitment is to delivering world class customer-first solution, unique bundle plans tailored to serve your interest, budget or lifestyle. We’re ready, are you?”

It is a licensed Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO),

The Soun who was at the launch in a post in his official Facebook page expressed happiness at the development while commending the vision.

“It’s a distinct honor to be at the soft launching of Lebara Nigeria. A landmark achievement driven by our illustrious son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ayo and Teni Stuffman, whose vision stands as a shining beacon of possibility for our people and for generations yet unborn.

“As the custodian of our cherished heritage in Ogbomosoland, moments like this stir profound pride in my heart. This occasion represents far more than the unveiling of a telecommunications brand; it signals the birth of expanded opportunity and inclusive progress. Through innovative offerings such as microloans, device financing, Lebara-powered internet hubs, and culture-shaping initiatives, this noble enterprise is creating meaningful pathways for creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers to thrive.

“What inspires me most is the deeper mission that underpins this venture; a steadfast commitment to making connectivity simpler, more affordable, and more impactful for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. In an age where distance can divide families and limit potential, initiatives like this affirm that innovation has the power to unite hearts, strengthen enterprises, and empower communities.

“I wholeheartedly celebrate this remarkable milestone and commend the courage, excellence, and forward-thinking spirit of all who made it possible. May this bold vision continue to flourish, transform lives, and firmly position our land on the global map of innovation and enterprise.”

From left; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Advisory Board Chairman, Lebara Nigeria, Mrs Teniola Stuffman, CEO, Lebara Nigeria, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Soun of Ogbomoso, Ayo Stuffman, Group Managing Director Vas2net Technology and Mrs Akin Adesokan, Chief Operating Officer, Lebara Nigeria at the soft launch and networking reception for Lebara entry into the Nigerian market.

The company had earlier in 2025 opened a Number Reservation Portal, giving prospective subscribers the opportunity to secure personalised mobile numbers before full operations commence.

Speaking virtually, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the launch as a milestone aligned with an existing partnership between her ministry and the company.

She said: “I am particularly delighted that this milestone of the soft launch occasion builds on the memorandum of understanding signed between our ministry and Lebara.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging technology to support Nigeria’s creative talent. As a ministry, we remain committed to working with private sector partners who share our vision for transforming Nigeria’s arts, culture, tourism and creative industries into sustainable engines of economic development.

“Once again, I commend Lebara Nigeria for this important step and I encourage all stakeholders present today to take full advantage of the platform provided. I look forward to the successful implementation of our collaboration together.”

Also in his remarks, Jonny Baxter underscored the broader UK–Nigeria digital partnership reflected in Lebara’s entry.

“I am excited. I was lucky to hear from Lebara officers about the company’s developments, and I caught their enthusiasm. I heard all of the excitement about this launch. And so it’s a real pleasure to join all of you this evening to mark the launch of Lebara in Nigeria,” he said.

“On behalf of the UK government, I want to extend our congratulations to the Lebara team, the UK team, and the Lebara Nigeria team on this important milestone.

“This launch is more than just the arrival of a new telecoms brand. And indeed, it is more than just the first female led Nigeria Telco. Although that is really important.

“But this launch also reflects the deepening partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria in the digital economy.”

He explained the significance of the MVNO model and regulatory reforms enabling market entry.

“We’re all familiar with traditional mobile phone networks. But the Lebara brand is a mobile virtual network operator. That is a network operator that builds on existing network infrastructure to bring new and innovative services to consumers,” Baxter said.

“The new MVNO licensing regime demonstrates how good policy reform can open markets, can lower entry barriers, can enable new business participation — all with the objective of providing better services for consumers.”

He added: “Lebara’s entry into Nigeria is a tangible example of how well-designed regulation translates into real economic outcomes… Together we can build a more connected, competitive and inclusive digital future.”

Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, Mrs Teniola Stuffman, described the event as a strategic milestone rather than a commercial launch.

“Today is a remarkable day… It is a privilege to welcome you to the first launch of Lebara Nigeria, hosted in partnership with the British High Commission,” she said.

“Nigeria stands at a defining moment. A country of extraordinary talent, resilience, and ambition, yet millions require more inclusive, more affordable, more globally connected digital access.

“At Lebara, our activity is not merely about technology. It’s about access. Access to opportunities, education, commerce, global markets, and meaningful participation in the digital economy.”

She outlined the company’s operating philosophy. “Our foundations rest on three pillars. We always call it triple R — Reliable, affordable, and customer-centric.

“Lebara is a British-born global telecommunication brand, built on trust. And you can quote me. We always do focus on trust pilots.”

On its infrastructure partnership, she said: “Our partnership with Airtel is good. The partnership allows us to leverage the national infrastructure while focusing on what Lebara does best — product innovation, international connectivity, and customer experience.”

She emphasised the diaspora opportunity.
“Nigeria is home to one of the largest diasporas in the world… So Lebara’s global footprint uniquely positions us to enhance international connectivity options for Nigerians, not just within the country, but across markets where Nigerians live, work, and yield influence.”