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MTN Foundation Advocates Sustainability Practice in Organisations
MTN Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility vehicle of Nigeria’s leading Information and Communication Technology Company, MTN, has advocated the adoption of corporate social investments and sustainability as business models.
Nonny Ugboma, executive secretary of the Foundation, shared this insight at the 2014 edition of the CSR West Africa Summit, which held in Lagos, recently.
CSR West Africa Summit, which focuses on critical sectors of development such as employment, education, local community development and the environment, is a forum that brings Governments, Policy Makers, Corporate Organisations, NGOs, Regulators and Social Enterprises together to discuss CSR and its effects on the social and economic development of the West African sub-region.
The Summit also serves as a platform to engage attendees from the different economic and social sectors on how to adopt long-term sustainability frameworks, leverage stakeholders engagement, design positively impactful CSR initiatives and encourage partnerships as well as networking.
Ugboma, while presenting the paper titled, ‘How do you create a sustainably led organisation,’ said that Africa is the next global frontier opening up to huge opportunities for investments. For businesses to succeed, they must operate within a healthy and stable society, she said.
“A sustainable business model should involve its host community regardless of what challenges they are facing. A sound community involvement strategy in line with a company’s overall business and corporate responsibility strategy can help organisations achieve business successes, “she added.
Akinwale Goodluck, corporate services executive of MTN Nigeria, said: “At MTN, we consider corporate responsibility as a smart way of doing business. We believe in adding value while practicing good corporate governance and ethics.
Committing up to 1% of MTN Nigeria’s annual profit after tax to high impact corporate social investments, he added, “is a demonstration of the company’s values and focus on developing people and their communities.”
The MTN Foundation began operations in 2005.
After a thorough needs assessment exercise, the Foundation’s strategic direction was focused on three key areas of interventions: Health, Education and Economic Empowerment.
The Foundation receives its funding from MTN Nigeria, which commits 1% of its annual profit after tax for executing sustainable initiatives.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has revealed plans to commence investigation into the activities of an entity operating under FF Tiffany, allegedly running a fraudulent investment scheme that has defrauded citizens.
A statement by the SEC on Tuesday in Abuja said preliminary information revealed that the scheme, which promised investors unusually high and unrealistic returns, had resulted in the loss of several billions of naira.
The SEC said it viewed the activity as a threat to investor confidence and the overall integrity of the financial system.
The commission assured the public that it was working closely with law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies to bring everyone involved in the unlawful operation to justice.
According to SEC, those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the Investment and Securities Act and regulatory provisions.
SEC reiterated its earlier warnings to the general public to desist from engaging in Ponzi or unregistered investment schemes that promised guaranteed or exaggerated returns.
“These schemes are not registered with the SEC and do not offer investor protection under the law.
“The commission is currently investigating 79 schemes and will make a statement on its findings at the conclusion of the investigation,” the SEC said.
The commission encouraged investors to conduct due diligence and verify the registration status of any investment firm or product by visiting the SEC website or contacting the commission directly through official channels.
SEC said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting investors, ensuring fair practices, and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
The Ogun Tech Hub in Abeokuta, Nigeria received a significant step towards increasing digital access and empowering young people as US Embassy in Nigeria launched the ‘Window on America’ facility.
The newly opened centre will offer free high-speed internet, computer access, and targeted programs to help young Nigerians build essential skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), the US Embassy described the hub as a modern ICT and resource centre meant to promote digital inclusion and provide youths with skills.
“Hello Abeokuta! We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. This dynamic space offers free high-speed internet, computers, and programs to help young people gain tech, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills,” the Embassy wrote.
The facility was established in collaboration with the Ogun State and GFA Technologies, a software solutions provider for startups and SMEs.
The Embassy said the facility is part of its wider network of 29 American hubs across Nigeria, designed to empower youth and broaden access to global knowledge and opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun urged young people to use the ICT industry for self-sufficiency and competitiveness globally.
He lauded the program as a public-private cooperation that connects Nigerian youngsters with global innovations.
The governor said: “The Ogun Tech Hub serves as a collaborative space for technologists, startups, and social entrepreneurs to develop tech-driven solutions for societal challenges. The partnership is aimed at positioning Ogun State as a leading tech hub in Africa, supporting creative problem-solving and commercial innovation.”
With the ‘Window on America’ program fully operational, Ogun State is well-positioned to boost youth empowerment and digital literacy.
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