Owerri CSR Initiative: MTN's Example Worth Celebrating

Of late, there is an upsurge in calls for corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the part of successful organizations toward host communities. This is, perhaps, because there is no better approach to harmonious co-existence between host communities and operating firms.

In recent times too, the spate of youth militancy occasioned by agitations for compensations from firms operating in host communities, especially when such operations wreak havoc environmentally. 

These may have fueled a series of noteworthy CSR initiatives on the part of MTN Nigeria which are worthy of emulation by other telcos, for example.

Sometime in January this year, it was reported that MTN Foundation commissioned a newly renovated science laboratory at the Government Secondary School, Owerri.

The project is part of the second phase of the foundation’s Science and Technology Laboratory initiative, which is designed to improve the teaching standards and learning outcomes of science subjects in public secondary schools.

Following the set criteria for the nomination, four secondary schools, Government Secondary School Owerri; St Augustine College, Igbuzor; St. Aquinas College, Akure, and Queens College, Lagos, emerged as recipients for the second phase of the initiative.

Each of the schools received full renovation of their chemistry, physics, and biology science laboratories including the installation of laboratory furniture, solar-powered borehole, and alternative power solution.

Others are the supply of laboratory equipment and consumables as well as the training of laboratory staff.

Speaking at the commissioning in Owerri, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. JohnCliff Nwadike, said the science laboratories which included chemistry, biology, and physics, would encourage the students to enhance their knowledge on science, technology, and innovation.

He also commended the foundation for effectively carrying out its corporate social responsibilities to the people.

The laudable zest with which MTN carries out its corporate social responsibility is clear for all to see.