Taiwo Afolayan
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised MTN Nigeria for its N1 billion donation to the Federal Government’s Food Support Programme and its contribution of 4,600 digital devices for distribution to schools.
He acknowledged the telecommunications company’s efforts to support the government’s initiatives to alleviate hardship in the country, describing the gesture as commendable and reflective of MTN’s commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information in the Office of the Vice President, Shettima stated, “I am hugely proud of your (MTN’s) stability as a company and commitment to the progress of our country.
“We have witnessed several changes in the industry, but you have remained stable and strong. On behalf of my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to sincerely thank you for this gesture,” he said.
The Vice President made these remarks yesterday when he received MTN Nigeria’s Chairman, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
During his discussion with the MTN Nigeria chairman, Senator Shettima assured that the company’s donation would be effectively managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, along with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Regarding the 4,600 digital devices, each pre-installed with the U-lesson application, the Vice President mentioned that the MTN team would collaborate with his office to establish the criteria for beneficiaries and facilitate the distribution of the devices to secondary schools across the six geo-political zones.
He expressed confidence that this contribution would significantly support the government’s efforts to address challenges in the country, particularly in meeting the educational needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Urging other companies to follow MTN’s example in Corporate Social Responsibility, the Vice President reassured the business community that the Tinubu administration remains pro-business, and its policies will soon yield visible results.
Earlier, MTN Nigeria’s Chairman commended the Federal Government for its efforts to revive the country’s economic fortunes through various initiatives implemented across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He pledged the company’s continued support for the current administration, noting that the donation aligns with MTN Nigeria’s shared value objectives under the “AMBITION 2025 strategy,” which aims to support the strategic initiatives of the federal government.
Regarding the N1 billion donation, Mr. Ndukwe stated, “It aims to support the most vulnerable, marginalized, and underserved communities, ensuring no one is left behind through increased collaboration and partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
He also expressed optimism that the devices donated by the company would help the Federal Government achieve its objective of increasing digital literacy in secondary schools and enhancing creativity, analytical thinking, adaptability, and students’ access to current information in science and technology.
