MTN Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable development across Nigeria, announcing that its social investments have now exceeded N32bn in the past 20 years, impacting over 3,500 communities in 570 local government areas across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
L-R: Yemi Adebayo, Reporter, AIT and Fellow, MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP) Cohort 4; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation; Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University and Blessings Mosugu, Reporter, News Central TV and Fellow, MTN MIP Cohort 4, during the June session of the MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP) Cohort 4, held at the Pan-Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, during an engagement with Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) in Lagos. The MTN MIP, a 6-week-long programme spread across six months for media practitioners in Nigeria, serves as a platform for media professionals to enhance their influence and impact through education and capacity building.
One of the highlights of the programme is training sessions led by executives within MTN’s ecosystem. These sessions provide participants with practical, real-life examples and case studies of successful initiatives, equipping them with valuable insights and strategies to enhance their professional careers.
Speaking on the Foundation’s guiding philosophy, Sanya emphasised that MTN’s success as a business is intrinsically linked to the prosperity 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 said.
While many view connectivity in terms of data, voice, and digital services, Sanya noted that MTN’s vision of connectivity goes further, enabling real change, connecting people to possibilities, and empowering them to achieve their aspirations. “But for us, that connectivity is a reality that we are in a very privileged position to create change, to connect people to their possibilities, and just enable them to grab their aspirations,” she added.
The Foundation’s mission, she explained, is to consistently enhance the well-being of Nigerian communities by fostering investment, collaboration, and partnerships. Its core focus areas are capacity building, health, and economic empowerment. “When we talk about capacity building, it’s about scaling up, retooling, and education. Anything that helps people build their capacity,” Sanya explained.
Addressing the Foundation’s focus on health, Sanya pointed out that while many corporate foundations restrict their activities to their core business areas, MTN Foundation’s approach is driven by national need. “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 said.
“All of the Foundation’s interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Nigeria’s national priorities, and MTN’s own objective of making a positive impact in communities.”
Since its inception in 2004, the MTN Foundation has invested over N32 billion, reaching more than 3,500 communities in 570 local government areas across the country. According to Sanya, the Foundation has directly impacted around 33 million Nigerians, with advocacy and awareness programmes extending its indirect reach to over 90 million people nationwide.
Focusing on the MIP initiative, Sanya stressed that while the programme provides tools, knowledge and exposure, the real measure lies in their application. “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 further highlighted the competitive selection process, reminding participants of the honour of being selected for the programme. “Thousands applied, and you are among the few here. That shows you have something special. The next step is to pay it forward through ethical journalism and commitment to nation-building.”
Echoing this sentiment, President of the MIP Cohort 4, Mr Yemi Adebayo, described the programme as “life-changing.” After three years of attempting to gain admission, Adebayo expressed his satisfaction at finally being part of the experience.
“It goes beyond journalism,” he said. “It equips us with leadership, branding and life skills that many in our field rarely encounter. Every journalist should aspire to this level of exposure.”