MTN Nigeria inspires Nigerians to make a difference with ‘Go M.A.D’ Campaign
MTN Nigeria has kicked off the year with a bold new initiative to inspire Nigerians to create positive change in their communities.
The campaign, titled Go Make A Difference (Go M.A.D), was unveiled at an intimate event on January 22, 2025, at MTN Plaza in Lagos, featuring a call to action for individuals to take strategic steps that drive impactful community development.
The face of the campaign is Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess grandmaster and founder of Chess in Slums Africa. Tunde, celebrated for using chess as a tool to transform the lives of children in underserved communities, embodies the values of Go M.A.D: dreaming big, working hard, and making a tangible difference.
During the launch, Tunde shared his inspiring journey. “Being a part of Go M.A.D is deeply personal for me,” he said. “I grew up in a small community, and at the age of 10, I couldn’t go to school anymore. I stayed home for years, and during that time, I discovered chess.”

“Chess taught me strategy, discipline, and gave me my own identity. More importantly, it showed me the impact of sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for others. I’m excited to work with MTN to inspire Nigerians to not just gain mastery, but to use that knowledge to take bold steps toward making a difference.”
One of the highlights of the event was a live chess game between Tunde and several MTN employees, symbolizing the strategic thinking and collaboration needed to create lasting impact.
Speaking on the campaign’s vision, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said, “At MTN, we believe in driving progress and empowering our customers to rise above challenges to create something extraordinary. The Go M.A.D campaign reflects this belief.
MTN’s data gives you the power to take on the world, do the extraordinary, and make meaningful contributions to your communities and workplaces. Tunde’s story exemplifies the setbacks, determination, and success that are central to this campaign, and we’re proud to have him as an ambassador.”
The Go M.A.D campaign goes beyond its launch, with plans for sustained community engagement initiatives. With Tunde Onakoya’s journey and MTN’s resources, the campaign is poised to motivate Nigerians across all walks of life to take actionable steps toward change.
Whether mentoring a child, organizing a cleanup, or championing a cause, Go M.A.D reminds Nigerians that every effort counts. Just like in chess, small, deliberate moves can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
As the initiative gains momentum, MTN’s Go M.A.D is shaping up to be more than just a campaign—it’s a movement, a challenge, and a promise to inspire Nigerians to make a difference, one move at a time.
