The philanthropic arm of MTN Nigeria, the MTN Foundation, has disclosed that it has invested more than N32 billion in social intervention programmes since its establishment in 2004, impacting over 32 million Nigerians across thousands of communities nationwide.
The disclosure was made by Joseph Akpata, Manager, Development Portfolio at the MTN Foundation, during an Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholders’ conference held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Akpata said the Foundation has executed projects in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and capacity building, reaching beneficiaries in more than 30,600 communities and about 90 local government areas across the country.
“Since we started in 2004, we have invested over N32 billion in impactful projects across Nigeria, and we have consistently maintained records of our interventions,” he said.
He explained that the Foundation was created as MTN Nigeria’s corporate social investment vehicle, with a mandate to implement sustainable programmes that improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
According to him, the organisation’s interventions have focused on empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for socio-economic advancement.
A key focus of the Foundation’s social investment efforts in recent years has been the fight against substance abuse among young Nigerians.
Akpata noted that the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) was launched in 2019 to address the growing challenge of drug abuse, particularly among young people.
According to him, the initiative seeks to reduce the number of first-time drug users through advocacy, education, and preventive interventions.
“Our goal is to contribute to reducing the incidence of first-time substance abuse by equipping young people with the right information and support systems,” he said.
Since its launch, the programme has reached more than 50,400 students across Nigeria and provided specialised training for over 1,500 teachers to help identify and support students at risk.
Speaking at the event, Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairperson of the MTN Foundation, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding the potential of young Nigerians.
Represented by Valentina Obayemi, she said the Foundation is expanding its anti-drug campaign to reach more schools and communities.
“This year, we are taking our message directly to 50 public secondary schools across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reaching more than 20,000 students at a critical stage in their lives,” she said.
The participating locations include Abuja, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo, and Taraba States.
She added that the Foundation plans to train 250 additional teachers to strengthen early detection, counselling, and support mechanisms for students vulnerable to substance abuse.
Beyond secondary schools, the Foundation is broadening its engagement with tertiary institutions and youth-focused organisations.
Belo-Olusoga highlighted ongoing collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) through its 24-hour toll-free psychosocial support helpline.
According to her, the objective is to ensure that individuals struggling with substance abuse can access professional guidance and counselling when needed.
Over the last two decades, the MTN Foundation has become one of Nigeria’s most visible corporate social responsibility platforms, funding initiatives in education, healthcare, youth development, entrepreneurship, and digital skills training.
Its latest figures underscore the growing role of private-sector organisations in complementing government efforts to address social and economic challenges, particularly in areas affecting young people.
With more than N32 billion invested and millions of beneficiaries reached, the Foundation says it remains committed to expanding its impact and creating opportunities that empower Nigerians to build healthier, more productive lives.
