Shettima praises MTN for ₦1bn donation of digital devices to FG

Shettima also thanked the telecommunications company for donating 4,600 digital devices to schools.

The Vice President paid tribute on Friday while receiving the MTN Nigeria Chairman, Ernest Ndukweon a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said the gesture of support for the government’s efforts to resolve the difficult situation in the country is worthy of emulation and demonstrates the government’s commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy.

“I am extremely proud of your (MTN) company’s stability and commitment to the development of our country.

“We have witnessed several 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 said the company’s donation would be handled judiciously by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Shettima said that for the distribution of 4,600 digital devices, each with the U-lesson app installed, the MTN team should liaise with his office to determine the beneficiary criteria.

He also explained that the MTN team and the Office of the Vice President will facilitate the distribution of the devices to secondary schools in the six geopolitical zones.

He expressed his belief that this gesture would greatly support the government’s efforts to stimulate the country’s economy.

According to him, this includes supporting the educational needs of poor and vulnerable people.

Shettima therefore appealed to other companies in the country to follow MTN’s lead in the area of ​​corporate social responsibility.

He assured the business community that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains pro-business and that its policies will soon be visible to all.

Earlier, Ndukwe said the N1 billion donation is aimed at supporting the most vulnerable, marginalised and underserved communities.

According to him, through enhanced cooperation and partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, no one will be left behind.

He expressed hope that the devices donated by the company would help achieve the federal government’s goal of raising the level of digital literacy in secondary schools.

He added that these devices will improve students’ creativity, analytical thinking, adaptability and access to up-to-date information in the field of science and technology.

He commended the federal government for its efforts to revive the country’s economic situation through various initiatives implemented across government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

He assured the company of the support of the current administration, noting that the gesture is in line with MTN Nigeria’s shared value goals as contained in the AMBITION 2025 strategy.

In its strategy, MTN seeks to support the strategic initiatives of the Federal Government.