The MTN Nigeria Foundation has graduated 5,980 young Nigerians under Phase 7 of its ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, advancing digital inclusion and youth entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
Launched in 2018 and moved online in 2020, the programme has trained 15,962 youths across about 30 states, with over ₦1 billion invested in the initiative.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Abuja, Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, said the programme reflects MTN’s commitment to shared growth and inclusive development. She disclosed that the Foundation, funded by up to one percent of MTN Nigeria’s profit after tax, has invested approximately ₦33 billion in community projects over 22 years, impacting nearly 4,000 communities and 520 local governments. She added that increased support will be directed toward female entrepreneurs.
Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, represented by Mallam Surajuddeen Yakubu, described the graduation as a milestone in youth-led enterprise development and reaffirmed continued post-training support.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the initiative aligns with tax reforms supporting micro and small enterprises, including zero percent corporate income tax for companies with turnover below ₦100 million and assets under ₦250 million, as well as exemptions for informal businesses earning below ₦12 million annually. He urged beneficiaries to formalise their businesses and maintain proper records.
Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, noted Nigeria’s MSME sector faces an estimated ₦20 trillion financing gap and emphasised the need for private sector collaboration. He commended the Foundation for providing ₦300 million in equipment support to 600 beneficiaries and pledged SMEDAN’s support in business formalisation and access to financing.
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
