The MTN Foundation has disclosed that it has committed more than N32 billion to social intervention programmes across Nigeria.
It said over 32 million people benefited from the scheme since its establishment in 2004.
The interventions, it noted, have reached thousands of communities nationwide through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, youth development and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholders’ conference in Ilorin, Joseph Akpata, Kwara State Manager, Development Portfolio, said the organisation has sustained its commitment to improving lives through impactful and measurable investments.
According to him, the foundation was created as the corporate social investment vehicle of MTN Nigeria and has continued to implement programmes designed to address critical social and developmental challenges.
“Since we started in 2004, we have invested over N32 billion in impactful projects across the country, and we have been keeping our records,” Akpata said.
He stated that the foundation’s interventions have so far impacted more than 32 million people in over 30,000 communities and scores of local government areas across the federation.
Akpata noted that the fight against substance abuse among young people remains a major priority for the organisation, prompting the launch of the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme in 2019.
He explained that the initiative was designed to reduce the number of first-time drug users through sustained advocacy, awareness campaigns and educational interventions targeted at young Nigerians.
“Our goal for the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme is to contribute to reducing the number of first-time users of drugs and other substances through advocacy, education and empowerment programmes,” he said.
The MTN Foundation official revealed that the programme has already reached more than 50,400 students across Nigeria, while over 1,500 teachers have received specialised training to support the campaign.
Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga, chairperson of the MTN Foundation, said the organisation remains committed to safeguarding the future of young Nigerians by equipping them with the knowledge and support needed to make informed choices.
Represented by Valentina Obayemi, she said the foundation’s belief in the potential of Nigeria’s youth inspired the launch of the anti-substance abuse initiative and continues to shape its interventions.
“This year, we are taking our message directly to 50 public secondary schools across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reaching more than 20,000 students at a critical stage in their lives where the right information can shape their future,” she said.
Belo-Olusoga added that the foundation plans to train 250 additional teachers to identify, support and guide students participating in drug education and quiz competition programmes.
She said the intervention is also being extended beyond secondary schools through increased engagement with tertiary institutions and grassroots advocacy platforms.
According to her, the foundation is strengthening its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps to widen awareness campaigns while continuing support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s 24-hour toll-free psychosocial support helpline.
She noted that the collaboration is aimed at ensuring individuals battling substance abuse can access professional assistance and counselling whenever needed.
