…As UN says Nigeria requires $10m annually to achieve SDGs 

By Emmanuel Elebeke – Abuja

The MTN Foundation has invested over N30 billion in more than 50 unique projects and initiatives, positively impacting approximately 31.3 million Nigerians in 3,323 communities over the last 20 years. This was disclosed by Dennis Okoro, Acting Chairman of MTN Foundation, at the 20th MTN Nigeria Foundation celebration in Abuja.

According to Okoro, the Foundation’s efforts have played a vital role in bringing to life a vision of fostering and enhancing quality of life across Nigeria since its inception.

Meanwhile, the United Nations estimates that Nigeria requires $10 billion annually to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This funding gap highlights the need for collaborative efforts between private and public sectors to drive development in Nigeria.

“Today, we celebrate our 50 year journey of resilience, hope, learning, evolution and transformation Today, we are also assembling a call to action, a rallying cry to harness our creative resources, expertise and networks to drive sustainable growth and social impact in Nigeria. As we gather to celebrate two decades of impactful philanthropic and transformative community engagement, we are inspired by the theme of this milestone event, Unlocking Private Capital for Sustainable Development in Nigeria. 

“In choosing these theme, we recognize the critical role that private capital plays in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and ultimately uplifting communities over the past 20 years, the MTN Foundation has been steadfastly committed to bridging gaps and creating opportunities across our nation. Our job, underscored by collaborations with dedicated stakeholders, has been one of progress, learning and unwavering dedication for social causes.

“We are driven by the belief that, harnessing the collective potential of the private sector, we can contribute significantly to national development goals and improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.”

In her virtual keynote address, the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Amina Mohammed emphasized the importance of private sector engagement in achieving the SDGs

 “Achieving our global goals will require resources far beyond the reach of governments alone. It will require us to mobilize support from all sectors, with the private sector engagement at the heart of our mission in Nigeria.”

MTN Nigeria’s Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, highlighted the company’s commitment to social investment, allocating one percent of their profit after tax to the foundation. 

Executive Director Odunayo Sanya appreciated MTN Nigeria and its customers for providing the funds, noting the foundation’s repositioning for the future.

The event featured the unveiling of the new MTN Foundation logo and a compendium of its achievements over the last 20 years, as well as testimonies from recipients of MTN Foundation initiatives.