By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Nigeria has unveiled the Y’ello Street Museum beneath Falomo Bridge in Lagos as part of activities marking its 25th anniversary in Nigeria.
The immersive exhibition chronicles the company’s 25-year journey in connectivity, culture and innovation, while highlighting how technology has influenced communication, business, entertainment, education and everyday life in Nigeria.
Designed as a walk-through experience across five generations of network technology, from 1G to 5G, the museum features campaign artefacts, cultural memorabilia, iconic devices and personal stories that reflect Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Located beneath one of Lagos’ most recognisable landmarks, the museum takes visitors back to 2001, when MTN began operations in Nigeria with about 50,000 subscribers. The exhibition features devices such as the Nokia 3310 and traces the evolution of connectivity through successive technological eras.
Visitors can also explore milestones in mobile technology, digital services, music, storytelling, entertainment and entrepreneurship, highlighting how connectivity has helped Nigerians access information, discover talent, build businesses and reach wider audiences.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, described the museum as a tribute to the millions of Nigerians who have contributed to the company’s journey.
Kadri said customers, government and regulatory stakeholders, partners, employees and communities had all played important roles in the company’s development over the past 25 years.
According to him, the museum provides an opportunity to reflect on the innovations and connections that have transformed lives, businesses and communities across the country.
Also speaking, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said the museum celebrates not only technological advancement but also the memories and experiences that have connected Nigerians over the years.
She said the exhibition brings together cultural moments, innovations and everyday experiences, allowing visitors to see how technology has helped them learn, build businesses and create opportunities.
The museum also places MTN’s journey within the broader transformation of Nigeria over the past two and a half decades. The shift from basic voice services to high-speed connectivity has opened new opportunities in communication, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, entertainment, education and the digital economy.
It further highlights the role of connectivity in supporting Nigeria’s creative industries, enabling artists, performers, creators and businesses to reach larger audiences.
Open to the public for seven days, the Y’ello Street Museum offers visitors an opportunity to revisit the milestones and memories that have shaped a generation while reflecting on the future of connectivity and innovation in Nigeria.
