Telecom
Lagos Ministry of Education Commends Unplugged Training Initiative by MTN Foundation

Ronke Matuluko, deputy director, Ministry of Education Lagos, says that the Unplugged training program by the MTN Foundation, will go a long way in impacting students in high drug zones in Lagos.

Lagos State teachers and Unplugged trainers at the training in Lagos
She made this statement during the Unplugged training in Lagos state on Monday, July 10, 2023.
The Unplugged Training in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drug and Crimes (UNODC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is an anti-substance abuse training program for 180 secondary school teachers across 60 secondary schools in Lagos, Imo, Kaduna, Delta, Gombe and Abuja.
The training is designed to educate secondary school teachers on drugs and drug abuse and provide teachers with proper sensitisation techniques and instruments to work on social influences, and substance prevention among their students.
Matuluko highlighted that the Lagos State Ministry of Education is greatly invested in the welfare of its students.
“The Lagos state Ministry of Education is interested in the welfare of students, and with this program, the teachers are going back to their schools to indoctrinate their students on the dangers of substance abuse, at the same time preventing first-time drug users. This will go a long way in impacting students in Lagos state, especially students in high drug zones” she stated.
Speaking at the training in Lagos, UNODC representative and unplugged trainer, Ruth Owotumi, explained that the Unplugged training for teachers is an anti-substance prevention programme based on comprehensive social influence, that primarily targets young ones as they approach their adolescent years.
She further explained that the training is an evidence-based school program comprising 12 lessons to build life skills in young people, making them more resilient to the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
According to a 2018 study conducted on substance use among secondary school students in select Nigerian states, it was found that the proportion of respondents who were substance abusers was significantly higher among students who had not received any formal lectures on substance abuse at school, compared to those who had been taught.
Speaking on the initiative, Executive Secretary MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya highlighted that the training is an avenue to work with the government in curbing the pandemic of substance abuse in Nigeria.
She stated that “the reality of substance abuse in Nigeria, especially among the youths, is one we must no longer ignore, that is why at the MTN Foundation, we are partnering with the government to fight this pandemic.
“With the unplugged training in partnership with UNODC, we hope to influence secondary school students against the use of substances and make them ambassadors who will champion the anti-substance abuse cause”.
The Unplugged training is part of the activities for the 2023 Anti-Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), an initiative spearheaded by the MTN Foundation since 2019, to deliver interventions that contribute to a significant reduction in the rate of drug abuse among young Nigerians.
Telecom
MTN Foundation Hosts Stakeholders to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth

MTN Foundation hosted its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Conference on July 9, 2025, at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from government, healthcare, education, security, civil society, and the private sector to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

L-R: Tobe Okigbo, Chef Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria; Archieabia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, representative of Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, (representative of His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu); RT. Honourable Princess Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Assembly; Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, and Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health (representative of Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State) during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Lagos Conference held in commemoration of World Drug Day at the MTN Rooftop, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of MTN Foundation; Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; and Dr. Tolu Ajomale of the Lagos Ministry of Health, among others. Also present were representatives of NDLEA, UNODC, academia, psychologists, recovery advocates, and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to safeguarding its youth and fostering a future free from substance abuse. Dr. Olusoga emphasized that drug addiction extends beyond health, touching families, communities, and national well-being, calling for proactive, united action.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobe Okigbo, stressed the company’s long-standing dedication to youth development through initiatives like ASAP. NDLEA’s Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Archieabia Ibinabo, representing Brigadier General Buba Marwa, commended MTN Foundation as a vital ally in drug prevention efforts.
The conference featured personal stories of recovery in a session titled “Journeys Through the Fire,” followed by a panel discussion on multi-sectoral solutions to substance abuse. It concluded with a dramatic performance, “Just One Breath,” by LASU’s WADA Club, illustrating the personal and societal toll of drug use.
Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, closed the event with a powerful call to action, urging media, communities, and policymakers to drive sustained investment in youth empowerment and early intervention.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience among young Nigerians and catalyzing cross-sector partnerships for a drug-free future.
Telecom
MTN MUSON Music Scholars Graduate in Style at Lagos Ceremony

MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, was filled with music, pride and emotion on Thursday, July 4, as the Class of 2025 of the MTN Foundation–MUSON Diploma in Music graduated in a ceremony that celebrated discipline, artistry and the power of partnership in nurturing young Nigerian talents.
The event marked the culmination of two years of intensive training for the graduating scholars, supported by the MTN Foundation–MUSON Scholarship Programme. This partnership has provided full scholarships to hundreds of talented Nigerians, giving them access to world-class music education and helping them hone their skills as professional musicians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation, praised the graduates for their resilience and dedication. “Despite personal and financial obstacles, you showed up with determination, supported one another and embodied the values of excellence and empathy. You are stepping into the world as teachers, performers and cultural advocates. Nigeria and the world need your music now more than ever,” she said.
Chairman of MUSON’s Board of Trustees, Louis Mbanefo, SAN, reflected on the legacy of MUSON and the impact of its partnership with MTN. “Through the generosity of MTN and the dedication of our faculty, MUSON has produced more than 500 graduates who are making significant contributions to Nigeria’s cultural scene and beyond. As you join this vibrant alumni community, remember your responsibility to give back, uphold excellence and enrich the nation’s musical heritage,” he said.
Director of the MUSON School of Music, Princess Banke Ademola, described the graduates as ambassadors of discipline and artistry. “Today, we are not just sending graduates into the world; we are releasing ambassadors of discipline, creativity, and cultural excellence. Each of you has proven that with hard work and resilience, music can transcend challenges and inspire change. Go out there and let your music heal, connect, and transform lives.”
In her speech, Chief Mrs. Joke Chukwuma, Yeye Oba Iye of Ekiti Kingdom, encouraged them to use their music to inspire change and heal communities. “Music is the heartbeat of our culture, and today’s graduates are its future custodians. You are not just musicians; you are storytellers and architects of emotion. Carry your craft with pride and remember that your sound has the power to give voice to the voiceless and light to the world.”
As the graduates received their diplomas to loud applause, the event highlighted the impact of public-private collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s creative industries. The MTN Foundation–MUSON partnership continues to inspire hope for the future of music in Nigeria, turning dreams into reality and passion into excellence.
Telecom
Nvidia Overtakes Apple and Microsoft to Claim Global Tech Crown

Nvidia has become the first publicly traded company to hit a $4 trillion market valuation, surpassing tech giants Apple and Microsoft. Shares rose 2.5% in early trading on Wednesday, July 9, lifting the chipmaker’s market cap past the historic milestone.
Nvidia’s rapid rise reflects its dominant role in powering the global artificial intelligence boom. The company’s chips run the data centers behind AI models and cloud services for Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and more. Global spending on AI infrastructure is expected to top $200 billion by 2028, driving further demand.
Nvidia’s revenue for the quarter ending in April soared 69% year-over-year to $44.1 billion. Its stock has climbed nearly 20% this year, despite facing export restrictions and fresh competition from China’s DeepSeek, which briefly rattled markets. Nvidia shares dropped as much as 37% from January to April, before roaring back to gain almost 74% since early April.
Analysts say Nvidia’s success cements it as the backbone of the AI revolution. “There is one company in the world that is the foundation for the AI revolution, and that is Nvidia,” wrote Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives. He predicts Microsoft, currently valued around $3.77 trillion, will also cross the $4 trillion threshold later this summer.
Nvidia rose to prominence through graphics cards loved by gamers, but now leads in AI hardware, from autonomous vehicles to next-gen chips like the Blackwell Ultra, which promises to support more advanced reasoning in AI models.
The company’s surge has also made CEO Jensen Huang one of the world’s richest people, with a net worth of roughly $140 billion. Huang has met with President Trump and joined other tech leaders on trips abroad, as Nvidia partners in major initiatives like Project Stargate, a $500 billion push to expand US AI infrastructure.
Despite challenges from new players and US-China trade tensions that cost it an estimated $2.5 billion last quarter, Nvidia’s outlook remains bright. On a May earnings call, Huang said AI would become essential for “every country” and “every industry,” from software and healthcare to manufacturing and transportation.
Some on Wall Street believe Nvidia’s rise is only beginning. Loop Capital analysts recently projected the company could reach a staggering $6 trillion valuation by 2028, calling it “essentially a monopoly for critical tech” in the AI space.
- Broadcasting2 days ago
EFCC Re-Arraigns Echefu, TStv CEO for Allegedly Defrauding Ex-Minister of N1Bn, $1.3m
- Telecom2 days ago
4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre
- General News2 days ago
FG Declares Admissions outside CAPS Illegal
- General News2 days ago
BRICS Leaders Seek Inclusive Access to AI
- News2 days ago
Nigeria Loses over N200Bn from SSB Tax Annually – CAPPA
- Telecom2 days ago
SiBAN Applauds Interstellar’s Groundbreaking Role in Africa’s Blockchain Future
- Telecom2 days ago
Globalcom Thrills Subscribers with 3 New Digital Products
- E-Financial1 day ago
GOEs’ Remit Over ₦2tn to FG in 2024