MTN and its ecosystem partners – Google, Cisco and Oracle, worked together to bring training on ICT and business skills to 2000 young Nigerians entrepreneurs across five states in the comfort of their homes. The training that lasted for four weeks featured classes on growing businesses using data and insights and cybersecurity.

From all indications, participants found the entire process deeply enriching. The same could be said for alumni of the training. Goodness Adio, a former participant of the programme from Oyo State, was allowed some time to share his experience as an alumnus of the training at the closing ceremony. In his testimonial, he described how the MTN ICT & Business Skills Training has changed his life. Prior to being a part of the programme, he was unemployed. However, through the training he received, he acquired skills which he has now applied to put himself on a better path.

Several participants of the programme also expressed their gratitude to MTN, reflecting on how the training has helped them in their businesses and personally. One of them was Obed Utipobong. He stated, “Thank you so much MTN for showing me the way. . .Thank you so much for helping me out MTN without any condition or doubt, you are a saviour in my life. . .Thank you very much from my heart MTN . . .Thank you MTN again and again.” Testimonials such as these iterate the importance of empowering young Nigerians with skills that boost their employability or provide them the alternative of entrepreneurship. MTN has continued to do this through its social investment vehicle, the MTN Foundation, which has youth empowerment as one of its core causes.

The closing ceremony also featured presentations on solutions devised by the participants to Nigerian problems. Members of the group who gave the best presentation were awarded 5GB of data each.