MTN Foundation moved to the south-south and east last weekend to flag off community projects that form part of the 110 such projects in the third phase, and to celebrate the Nigerians that nominated the projects.
The new number brings to 510 the total number of community projects so far executed by MTN in about 450 communities in Nigeria. MTN top officials described the nominators as heroes and champions who have taken action to solve one problem in each of their communities.
Some of the nominators said the problem they nominated for action were there right from their childhood days while others said they were pained to see school children go to school without bags.
They include Obigha Smart who facilitated the provision of school learning materials in Ajakurama community of Ovia South West LGA in Edo State, Temaso Benjamin who nominated a health centre in Okochiri community of Okrika LGA in Rivers State to receive health equipment and supplies, and Joseph Emetu, who facilitated the installation of a solar powered borehole in the Umuchieze Community, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo state.
MTN Foundation thus took Thursday evening to formally flag off the projects and host the nominators from the region at ‘The Haggo Event Centre’ on Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt.
In a welcome address, the regional manager, Innocent Entonu, said it was good that men and women took action to solve problems in their communities. “I am sure you must have heard the saying – a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. But how many of us are ready to take that step forward when they need to?
“Well, we have 110 Nigerians who did exactly that. They took a step forward, took action and partnered with us to bring about change to their world. Today, their communities are better for it. Because of them, school children have learning materials, medical equipment have been installed in healthcare centres, and solar-powered boreholes have been installed in communities where they had no water.”
Speaking, MTNF director, Reginald Okeya, said the nominators are the real most valuable players (MVPs) of our time. “All 110 nominators made the bold decision to make a lasting and positive impact by partnering with the MTN Foundation.”
He said under the phases one and two of the ‘What Can We Do Together’ initiative, various interventions were implemented in 400 communities across the country. In phase 3, another 110 communities across the country have been impacted. This means that so far a total of 510 communities across 454 local governments have been transformed!
“While we are proud of what we have achieved so far, we are very aware that none of this would have been possible without our customers who continue to patronise our business through thick and thin. Each and every one of you shares in all the credit that MTN Foundation receives today, and we say thank you very much.”
