The MTN Nigeria Foundation has announced a significant milestone, confirming that its social investments in Nigeria have now surpassed ₦32 billion over the past 20 years. This extensive commitment has positively impacted over 3,500 communities in 570 local government areas across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, revealed this achievement during an engagement with Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) in Lagos on Monday, June 23, 2025. The MIP is a six-month program designed to enhance the influence and impact of Nigerian media professionals through education and capacity building, featuring training sessions led by MTN executives.
Sanya emphasized that MTN’s business success is deeply linked to the well-being of the communities it serves. “We can only do well as a group to the extent that the communities that we serve do well. If the communities we operate in are not thriving, it will inevitably affect our business,” she stated.
She explained that while many define connectivity in terms of data, voice, and digital services, MTN’s vision extends further. For the Foundation, connectivity is about creating real change, linking people to opportunities, and empowering them to achieve their aspirations.
The Foundation’s core mission is to consistently improve the well-being of Nigerian communities through investment, collaboration, and partnerships. Its primary focus areas are capacity building, health, and economic empowerment. Sanya clarified that “capacity building is about scaling up, retooling, and education—anything that helps people build their capacity.”
Unlike many corporate foundations that might limit activities to their core business, the MTN Foundation’s approach is guided by national needs. “For us, it’s about what can move the needle for us as a nation and as individuals. That’s why we invest in health, capacity building, and economic empowerment, regardless of whether it directly relates to technology,” she explained. All the Foundation’s interventions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Nigeria’s national priorities, and MTN’s objective of making a positive community impact.
Since its inception in 2004, the MTN Foundation has invested over ₦32 billion, reaching more than 3,500 communities and directly impacting approximately 33 million Nigerians. Through advocacy and awareness programs, its indirect reach extends to over 90 million people nationwide.
Commenting on the MIP initiative, Sanya stressed that while the program provides essential tools, knowledge, and exposure, its true measure lies in the application of that learning. “Nothing empowers like yourself. The real change begins when our media professionals take what they’ve learned and apply it meaningfully. Without that, knowledge becomes stagnant.” She also highlighted the highly competitive selection process, reminding participants of the honor of their selection and encouraging them to contribute to nation-building through ethical journalism.
Mr. Yemi Adebayo, President of the MIP Cohort 4 and a reporter at AIT, described the program as “life-changing,” expressing his satisfaction after three years of trying to gain admission. “It goes beyond journalism,” he said, emphasizing that the program equips participants with “leadership, branding and life skills that many in our field rarely encounter. Every journalist should aspire to this level of exposure.”
