Nigeria’s leading telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria, has again been adjudged the most socially responsible company in Nigeria by organisers of the annual Social Enterprise Reports and Awards (SERA).

The company which won the recognition on account of the wide impact of social projects being implemented by its corporate social investment vehicle, MTN Foundation, across Nigeria, also emerged the best company in combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, and most socially responsible telecommunications company.

In addition, it earned a certificate from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the overall winner of  the 4th edition of SERA.

In 2009, the company won the most socially responsible company in Nigeria award category in addition to five other awards, including the best company in poverty reduction (MDDG1), best company in gender equality (MDG3) and best company in partnership for development (MDG8).

The SERA awards are given out annually to outstanding socially responsible companies as a way of promoting corporate social responsibility in order to contribute to sustainable development of the country.

Corporate Services Executive, MTN, Akinwale Goodluck, said, “We are both delighted and challenged by these wonderful awards.

“We are delighted because these awards tell us that the society is paying attention to our contributions, because it is clear that our people need more support to enjoy normal life.

This means that we in MTN should intensify efforts to surpass the standards we have set for ourselves to meaningfully impact on the lives of our people, Goodluck said.

According to him, the MTN Foundation has 214 project sites in 34 states in the six geo-political zones of the country and will continue to execute projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life of Nigerian people in the key areas of education, health and economic empowerment.