VP Shettima commends MTN Nigeria for donation to FG’s food support programme

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has lauded MTN Nigeria for its substantial contribution of N1 billion to the Federal Government’s Food Support Programme, alongside the donation of 4,600 digital devices to schools across the nation.

Shettima expressed his appreciation on Friday while receiving MTN Nigeria’s Chairman, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He emphasized that MTN’s support highlights the company’s dedication to alleviating hardship in Nigeria and fostering economic progress.

“MTN’s stability as a company and its unwavering commitment to the progress of our country is something I am hugely proud of. Despite changes in the industry, you have remained strong and steadfast. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I sincerely thank you for this generous gesture,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President also urged other private sector entities to follow MTN’s example by contributing to national development efforts. He assured that the N1 billion donation would be judiciously managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, along with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Regarding the distribution of the 4,600 digital devices, Shettima revealed that each device, pre-installed with the U-lesson application, would be distributed to secondary schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The MTN team, in collaboration with the Vice President’s office, will finalize the criteria for selecting the beneficiaries.

Shettima expressed confidence that MTN’s initiatives would significantly aid the government’s efforts to support the educational needs of the poor and vulnerable, contributing to broader national objectives.

In his remarks, Mr. Ndukwe praised the Federal Government’s efforts to revive the country’s economy through various initiatives. He reiterated MTN Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the administration’s strategic goals as part of its “AMBITION 2025” strategy, which aligns with national priorities.

Ndukwe stated that the N1 billion donation is intended to reach the most vulnerable and underserved communities through enhanced collaboration with the government. He also expressed optimism that the digital devices would advance the government’s goal of increasing digital literacy in secondary schools, thereby enhancing creativity, analytical thinking, and access to up-to-date information in science and technology.