In another landmark move to accelerate grassroots digital inclusion, MTN Nigeria staff commissioned and handed over a solar-powered Y’ello Box (a digital hub) to the Iraboko community in Awoyaya on Wednesday, March 25th. The handover, which falls under the 2025 staff-powered initiative – Y’ello Care – saw the telecommunications giant deepen its ‘Connecting at the Roots’ strategy. In June of 2025, over 1,400 staff members of the company contributed 3,947 volunteer hours as part of its annual drive.
The ceremony in Awoyaya was led by Ifeoma Utah, General Manager Commercial Legal, MTN Nigeria, representing the Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobe Okigbo. Addressing the gathering of community leaders and residents, Utah highlighted the personal commitment of the MTN workforce. “Y’ello Care is an initiative by MTN employees. So every year in June, employees of MTN come together to contribute money to empower communities where we work and create,” she stated. She emphasised that the project is beyond a corporate mandate: “We’re keen on enabling societies. We’re about improving the communities where we work and live. We are way more than a business. We believe in making people thrive.”
The hub itself is a masterpiece of sustainable engineering, equipped with 10 computers, high-speed internet, and a full solar-power system that supports air conditioning and a water pumping machine for on-site bathrooms. Chief Oladunni Yinka Onatoye, a retired Director of Education and Community Development Association (CDA) Chairman, described the innovation as a turning point for the region. “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards bridging the digital divide in our local city. We understand that the future is digital. However, we also know that digital transformation is only meaningful when it is inclusive,” Onatoye remarked while seated alongside the Baale of Iraboko, Chief Abiodun Sanni Eleku.
Beyond the commissioning of the building, MoMo PSB, the fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, distributed a variety of essential items to the attendees. Solar fans, umbrellas, POS machines, and branded caps were handed out to community members, symbolising the company’s commitment to improving daily life. These items were specifically chosen to provide immediate utility, mirroring the long-term utility of the digital hub itself.
The activation also centred on meaningful financial empowerment. Intensive MoMo literacy sessions equipped residents for the digital economy, while ₦100,000 grants and POS machines transformed local entrepreneurs like Sobanke Rasheedat and Ibrahim Abdulrazaq into official MoMo Agents, ensuring local economic value fuels sustainable community growth.
The event concluded with a facility tour and a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony. As the community leaders walked through the air-conditioned hub, the sense of partnership was palpable. By providing both the high-tech Y’ello Box, MTN has further solidified its role as a partner in progress for the Iraboko community, ensuring the ’roots’ of the community are well-nourished for a digital future. Other Y’ello Boxes are expected to be launched in other locations in the country.
Source : www.bhmng.com
