The MTN Foundation has revealed that it has invested more than N32 billion in social intervention programmes since its establishment in 2004, touching the lives of over 32 million Nigerians and transforming thousands of communities across the country.
The disclosure was made by Joseph Akpata, Manager, Development Portfolio at the MTN Foundation, during an Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholders’ conference in Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to Akpata, the Foundation has implemented projects spanning education, healthcare, economic empowerment and capacity building, reaching beneficiaries in over 30,600 communities and about 90 local government areas nationwide.
“Since we started in 2004, we have invested over N32 billion in impactful projects across Nigeria, and we have consistently maintained records of our interventions,” he said.
He explained that the Foundation was established as MTN Nigeria’s corporate social investment vehicle, with a mandate to drive sustainable programmes that improve the quality of life of Nigerians through empowerment, community development and socio-economic advancement.
A major focus of the Foundation’s recent interventions has been tackling substance abuse among young Nigerians. Akpata noted that the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), launched in 2019, was designed to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among youths through advocacy, education and preventive measures.
“Our goal is to contribute to reducing the incidence of first-time substance abuse by equipping young people with the right information and support systems,” he said.
Since its launch, the programme has reached more than 50,400 students across the country, while over 1,500 teachers have received specialised training to identify and support students at risk.
Speaking at the conference, Chairperson of the MTN Foundation, Mosun Belo-Olusoga, represented by Valentina Obayemi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to protecting the future of young Nigerians.
She announced that the Foundation is expanding its anti-drug campaign to 50 public secondary schools across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, targeting more than 20,000 students at a crucial stage of their development.
The participating locations include Abuja, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo and Taraba states.
Belo-Olusoga added that the Foundation plans to train an additional 250 teachers to strengthen early detection, counselling and support systems for students vulnerable to substance abuse.
Beyond secondary schools, the Foundation is extending its engagement to tertiary institutions and youth-focused organisations. It continues to collaborate with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) through its 24-hour toll-free psychosocial support helpline.
According to her, the goal is to ensure that individuals battling substance abuse can access professional guidance, counselling and support whenever they need it.
Over the past two decades, the MTN Foundation has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most impactful corporate social responsibility platforms, funding initiatives in education, healthcare, youth development, entrepreneurship and digital skills training.
With over N32 billion invested and more than 32 million Nigerians impacted, the Foundation says it remains committed to expanding opportunities, strengthening communities and helping Nigerians build healthier and more productive lives.
