Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria for its generous donation of N1 billion to the Federal Government’s Food Support Programme.
Shettima also praised MTN Nigeria for providing 4,600 digital devices for distribution to schools.
He emphasized the need for further support for the government’s Food Support Programme during his speech on Friday.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President assured Nigerians that the positive impacts of President Bola Tinubu’s policies will soon become evident.
He acknowledged MTN’s contribution as a commendable act that reflects the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic development and urged other corporations to follow suit.
“I am hugely proud of your (MTN’s) stability as a company and commitment to the progress of our country,” Shettima said. “We have witnessed a couple of changes in the industry, but you have remained stable and strong. On behalf of my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to sincerely thank you for this gesture.”
The Vice President made these remarks on Friday while hosting MTN Nigeria’s Chairman, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
Senator Shettima assured that the N1 billion donation will be carefully managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Regarding the 4,600 digital devices, which come pre-installed with the U-lesson application (@ulessonapp), the Vice President mentioned that MTN will work with his office to determine the criteria for beneficiaries and ensure the devices are distributed to secondary schools across the six geo-political zones.
He expressed confidence that MTN’s support would significantly aid the government’s efforts to tackle the challenges facing the nation, particularly in meeting the educational needs of the underprivileged.
The Vice President also called on other companies to emulate MTN’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and reassured the business community that the Tinubu administration remains pro-business, with its policies soon to deliver noticeable benefits.
Earlier, MTN Nigeria’s Chairman, Mr. Ndukwe, praised the Federal Government for its efforts to rejuvenate the economy through various initiatives across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He pledged the company’s ongoing support for the current administration, highlighting that MTN’s donation aligns with its “AMBITION 2025 strategy,” which aims to back key government initiatives.
Regarding the N1 billion donation, Mr. Ndukwe explained, “It aims to support the most vulnerable, marginalized, and underserved communities, ensuring no one is left behind through increased collaboration and partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
He also expressed hope that the donated devices would contribute to the government’s goal of increasing digital literacy in secondary schools, enhancing creativity, analytical thinking, adaptability, and students’ access to up-to-date information in science and technology.