MTN: The Telco giant leading the charge against COVID-19
The first half of 2020 was a tough period. From panic to uncertainty, the world dealt with a lot of challenges, but the COVID-19 pandemic definitely stood out. It threw the global community into a turmoil, forced people to sit at home as they observed social distancing while businesses and other activities also went into total lockdown.
It was a difficult period and the world is still trying to recover. Amid the cloud of uncertainty brought upon the world by the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommunication giant MTN stood to help customers, government and healthcare workers.
MTN is one of the 30 organisations listed on the Neusroom 100 project that have directly brought resources to the front lines, made donations and also supported customers.
In April, MTN Nigeria unveiled Y’ello Hope Package and announced over N2 billion worth of support to various government and health agencies.
The first phase of the company’s investments was channeled into – over N500 million worth of airtime, data and analytics, through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in support to State governments to facilitate communications during travel restrictions.
Over N1.4 billion worth of airtime, data and devices for connectivity support was donated to medical personnel and health agencies like the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) at the front line.
As at May 31, the company had donated N35 billion in cash and material to Nigeria’s fight against the virus while its customers have sent over 2 billion free text messages valued at more than N22 billion.
Ernest Ndukwe, the Chairman of MTN Nigeria had said in April that as the situation evolves, the company is fully committed to deepening and extending its commitments in order to provide all the support it can to the government and the people.
“We all have a role to play in stemming the upheaval we have seen brought on by this pandemic globally,” Ndukwe said.
It appears MTN is not relenting yet in its contributions to help the world overcome the deadly virus and it is poised to do more. For its contributions so far, Neusroom celebrates the telco giant for using its power and influence to help the world when it matters.
