MTN Foundation Celebrates Legacy of Retiring Directors And Sets Sights On The Future

<em>L-R: Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation; Abdulrahman Muhammad Danlami, representing Alhaji Muhammadu Danlami (OFR, MNI, LLD), Former Director, MTN Foundation; Aishatu Pamela Sadauki (OON), Former Non-Executive Director, MTN Foundation; Dr. Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman, MTN Nigeria; Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation; and Denis Okoro, Former Non-Executive Director, MTN Foundation at the Appreciation Dinner held in honour of the retiring members of the MTN Foundation Board of Directors in Lekki, Lagos recently</em>

MTN Foundation recently hosted a celebratory dinner in honour of five distinguished board members whose service has been instrumental to the Foundation’s growth and impact over the years.

The evening was filled with warmth, gratitude and nostalgia, as the Foundation said goodbye to Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, Denis Ugochukwu Okoro, Alhaji Muhammadu Danlami, Mrs Aishatu Pamela Sadauki and Tobe Okigbo.

Their leadership spanned years of growth and transformation, with some having been part of the Foundation since its earliest days in 2005.

Under their stewardship, MTN Foundation evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading corporate social investment organisations, delivering far-reaching interventions across health, education, youth empowerment, and national development.

Chairman of the Foundation, Dr Mosun Olusoga, opened the event with heartfelt remarks, noting that while the board may not be ready to part with these stalwarts, good governance calls for renewal.

She praised the collective legacy of the outgoing directors, calling them legends whose contributions were foundational to the organisation’s success.

Dr Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of MTN Nigeria, echoed this sentiment.

He highlighted how these individuals had gone beyond their roles as board members to become custodians of impact, shaping initiatives that directly improved the lives of Nigerians.

“The new directors stepping into their shoes,” he remarked, “have a lot of work to do to fill the shoes of the past directors.”

Mrs Aishatu Pamela Sadauki, who joined the board in 2005, shared her reflections on the journey, expressing how fulfilling the experience had been and recognising the support of the management team, without whom the board’s work would not have succeeded.

The night was not only a tribute to the past but also a look ahead.

The MTN Foundation took the opportunity to announce the appointment of new board members, setting the tone for a renewed focus on sustainability and national development.

The new board includes Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman; Sir Etim Amana, KJW, FNCS, Independent Non-Executive Director; Mrs. Edith Ofili-Okonkwo, Independent Non-Executive Director; Dr. Reginald Okeya, Non-Executive Director; Mr. Emmanuel Ocholi, Non-Executive Director;  Pastor Simon Aranonu, Non-Executive Director; Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, Non-Executive Director and Mr. Surajuddeen Yakubu, Non-Executive Director.

Mrs. Odunayo Sanya continues as the Executive Director, MTN Foundation.

The Foundation’s transition comes on the back of a track record that includes over 1,000 completed projects nationwide and impact in every state of the country.

As it looks to the future, this new board is expected to build on a solid foundation and steer the organisation into its next chapter.