MTN Rwanda’s Mikkawi gets a befitting send-off

MTN Rwanda, on Thursday night, threw a send-off party for their outgoing Chief Executive Officer Khaled Mikkawi, at Kigali Serena Hotel’s ballroom. Employees, clients and friends of MTN gathered to bid farewell to Mikkawi, who gave a passionate farewell speech.

Sunday, October 06, 2013
Former MTN boss Khaled Mikkawi hands over the key to his successor Ebenezer Asante, as a sign to mark the end of his management. The New Times / T.Kisambira.

MTN Rwanda, on Thursday night, threw a send-off party for their outgoing Chief Executive Officer Khaled Mikkawi, at Kigali Serena Hotel’s ballroom. Employees, clients and friends of MTN gathered to bid farewell to Mikkawi, who gave a passionate farewell speech. At the cocktail event that commenced at 6:30pm, guests were ushered in by the employees of the telecommunication provider, with ladies dressed in little black dresses and men in well cut suits and crisp striped yellow and black ties. Guests also did not fall short in grooming, as most of them came in well cut suits for men and official formal wear for women. The ballroom had been decorated with bright yellow-the telecom company’s official colour. At the same event, Ebenezer Asante, MTN’s new boss was introduced.MTN’s brand ambassadors, Mani Martin, Jay Polly and Knowless performed a song they had composed in Mikkawi’s honour to thank him for the work well done during his stay in Rwanda. Mikkawi made an emotional evoking speech at the same time managing   to leave the guests in stitches. "I am proud to have worked in Rwanda. I will not lie that I will cry tomorrow on the plane as I leave Rwanda but I will say I am leaving my big family in Rwanda and going to be with my small family in Lebanon because if I don’t my wife will file for divorce,” he joked, sparking off rib-cracking laughter among the guests.Mani Martin described the outgoing CEO as a man who freely interacted with people of all walks of life. "He is a humble guy and he knows how to interact with all people regardless of their status in society,” said the singer.Guests at the event were also entertained by Sound Of Hills, a band that played jazz, blues, afro-music and pop, including renditions to celebrated songs. The party went on till 11pm.