By Wole Olujobi, Metro Editor, Lagos

Enugu State Government and Global Communications Limited (Globacom) have expressed readiness to forge a partnership towards tackling poverty in rural areas.

Enugu State Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Reduction, Mathew Idu, speaking at the crowning of Onoruive Ewomazino as Miss Rock 'N' Rule at the Polo Park, Enugu, venue of the Glo Rock 'N' Rule Concert, described Globacom as Africa's fastest glowing telecommunication network, which cares about the needs of the common man.

According to a press statement by Tunde Babalola of Globacom Public Affairs Office, Idu said Enugu would partner with Globacom on poverty reduction in the state.

Commending Globacom for bringing the Rock 'N' Rule concert to the state, the commissioner said he was particularly touched by the array of artistes on parade to entertain the people free of charge, adding that only a company that truly cares for the people could organise such an event at no cost to the public.

His words: "I must commend Globacom for this big show, especially for bringing the best artistes in Nigeria to Enugu to entertain the people free of charge. I have no doubt in my mind and I do not hesitate to say that Globacom really cares for the people and the company is very concerned about the well-being of Nigerians. This show goes to emphasise the love Globacom has for the people of Enugu State, and as government, we will explore means by which we can partner with the company on poverty reduction in the state."

Also speaking at the event while handing over the sceptre to Mr. Uduma Ibe Kalu, who emerged winner of the Mr. Rock 'N' Rule pageant, the Senior Special Assistant to Enugu State Governor on Public Enlightenment and Information, Paul Nnaji Ofor, said the Glo Rock 'N' Rule concert was the biggest event ever held in Enugu. Ofor added that the concert had confirmed Globacom as the leader in the telecoms sector of the nation's economy, pointing out that the people would for ever be grateful to Globacom for "this wonderful and colourful show brought to them by Glo network free of charge".

He added: "Tonight, we stand to confirm not only the leadership of Globacom in the telecommunication industry, but its love for the people and its determination to ensure that Nigerians get the best at all times. The government and the people of Enugu State will forever be grateful to Globacom for this wonderful experience."

The Glo Rock 'N' Rule concert, which kicked off in Benin City, Edo State, on October 25, and has been held in Asaba, Awka, and Enugu, is the biggest show in the nation's entertainment industry, as it parades the best hands in the industry both in Nigeria and Ghana.

Among artistes that performed at the Enugu edition of the concert include The Original Stereoman, Ekwe, Ego of the Lagbaja sensation, the KORA Award winner, Sammie Okposo; Sunny Nneji and Rebecca Achempong from Ghana. Others are the best DJ in Africa, DJ Jimmy Jatt; ace comedians, Okey Bakkasi and Basket Mouth; and D-Banj.