MTN Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Grassroots Sports With Governor’s Visit

<em>L-R: Friday Okuwe, Senior Manager, Brand, Media and Sponsorships, MTN Nigeria; Olaniyi Alabi, Senior Manager, Sales and Trade Development; Idowu Adesokan, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria; His Excellency Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State and Osaze Ebueku, Senior Manager, Go-to-Market, MTN Nigeria at a courtesy visit to the Edo State Government House on Wednesday, March 5</em>

On Wednesday, March 5, representatives of MTN Nigeria visited Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City.

The visit coincided with the launch of Season 3 of the MTN Champs athletics competition, which will kick off in Edo State from March 13 to 15.

This initiative underscores MTN’s dedication to grassroots sports development and aligns with Edo State’s ongoing efforts to nurture local athletic talent.

Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, highlighted the significance of partnering with the Edo State government.

“We plan to utilise the state’s stadia and facilities during this period. We also request logistical support and accommodation for the athletes,” he said. Adesokan emphasised MTN’s commitment to creating awareness through advertisements and billboards but stressed the importance of collaboration with the state. “We would like to not do this alone,” he added.

The program will include a press conference on March 12, featuring Edo State officials, and Adesokan invited Governor Okpebholo to attend the launch.

“Edo is the first state we are starting in this season. Seeing their governor at such an event will inspire the students,” he remarked.

Edo State has a rich history in Nigerian athletics, consistently ranking among the top performers at national competitions like the National Sports Festival.

The state has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, including mini-stadia across its local governments, aimed at discovering new talent annually. Adesokan praised Edo’s contributions to previous editions of MTN Champs.

“When we started in 2023, Benin was one of our initial locations, and it was very successful,” he noted.

He revealed that three of the program’s 20 Most Valuable Players (MVPs), who are being groomed for global platforms like the Olympics, hail from Edo State.

“This shows that Edo is a hub for athletic talent,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo expressed his enthusiasm for MTN Champs and pledged full support for its success.

“Sports is a tool for development and community awareness,” he said.

The governor assured MTN of assistance with logistics, accommodation, and coordination through relevant state agencies. “Hosting this program in Edo will be a decision you won’t regret,” he affirmed.

MTN Champs Season 3 will span three cities: Benin (March 13–15), Lagos (April 9–12), and Uyo (April 30–May 3).

The program aims to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and potentially represent Nigeria on global stages.

This initiative reflects MTN’s broader commitment to private-sector investment in Nigerian sports, aligning with national efforts to revitalise athletics at the grassroots level while fostering youth empowerment and economic growth.