The MTN Foundation has demonstrated its leadership in innovation through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, receiving the “Transformational Solutions in Education & Skills Acquisition Award” at the eighth Tech Innovation Awards held on November 2, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.
Odunayo Sanya, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, was honored as the “Corporate Social Investment Personality of the Year,” while the MTN Foundation team was recognized as the “Foundation Team of the Year.” The Tech Innovation Awards brought together executives, leaders, and employees from various organizations in the ICT sector to celebrate the contributions of businesses and individuals who have helped transform Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
In his opening remarks, Akin Naphtal, the convener and Chief Executive Officer of Instinct Wave, described the event as an opportunity to celebrate achievements within Nigeria’s ICT industry and to acknowledge the excellence and determination of those driving digital transformation. “We’re not just here to celebrate innovations and growth in our ICT sector, but also to recognize the tremendous resilience that keeps this industry at the forefront of transformation. We celebrate excellence, tenacity, and the bold dreamers who are shaping our digital landscape and pushing the boundaries of what we once thought was impossible.”
Commenting on the awards, Odunayo Sanya expressed gratitude to the organizers of the Tech Innovation Awards and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to impactful initiatives. “I would like to thank Instinct Wave for these awards and for consistently recognizing those who are driving innovation in our country.
Interestingly, this recognition comes just ahead of MTN Foundation’s 20th anniversary. We firmly believe that everyone deserves a high quality of life and access to transformative opportunities. This belief has driven us for the past 20 years and will continue to guide our vision of transforming lives and inspiring impact where it matters.” For two decades, the MTN Foundation has enriched lives and enhanced communities through various CSR initiatives that focus on education, arts and culture, music, and entrepreneurship.
Through its scholarship program for undergraduates pursuing science and ICT-related courses, the foundation has equipped recipients with essential skills for success in today’s digital landscape. The awards received by the MTN Foundation underscore the reach and impact of its CSR initiatives over the past 20 years.
Other notable recognitions at the Tech Innovation Awards included the “Telecom Infrastructure Provider of the Year” and “Telecom Infrastructure Team of the Year,” awarded to IHS Towers, as well as the “Technology Person of the Year” award presented to Ayotunde Coker, the Chief Executive Officer of Open Access Data Centres.