The Chairman of MTN Foundation, Mosun Belo-Olusoga, has revealed that the foundation has committed more than ₦4 billion to its flagship “What Can We Do Together” initiative as nominations officially open for the 2026 phase of the programme.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Belo-Olusoga, represented by independent Non-Executive Director of the foundation, Etim Amana, said the initiative was designed to promote community-driven development by allowing communities to identify their own needs while interventions are transparently verified and delivered.
According to her, the programme represents a shift from traditional corporate philanthropy towards a more collaborative development model focused on shared responsibility.
“The WCWDT programme challenges the long-standing approach where development is done for communities, instead of advocating for development carried out with communities,” she said.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Belo-Olusoga disclosed that the foundation has revitalised 181 Primary Health Care Centres across the country, improving access to healthcare for more than 3.3 million Nigerians, particularly in underserved communities.
She also stated that 110 science laboratories have been equipped nationwide to strengthen practical learning and better prepare students for careers in science, engineering, and medicine.
According to her, the initiative has so far reached 623 communities across 32 states, with interventions focused on healthcare, education, and community infrastructure.
“As we announce the commencement of the 2026 ‘What Can We Do Together’ initiative, our objective is clear, we are seeking the next set of communities to benefit from upgraded PHCs and modern science laboratories,” she added.
The foundation disclosed that nominations for the 2026 edition opened on May 5 and will close on June 8, 2026, with submissions to be made through the organisation’s official website.
Belo-Olusoga urged Nigerians and stakeholders to actively participate in the programme by nominating deserving communities and supporting efforts to bridge infrastructure gaps across the country.
“At MTN, we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, but that life is impossible without strong foundations in health and education,” she stated.
In her remarks, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative underscores the importance of collective responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
“This is our land. Nobody is coming to save us; we have to do it ourselves,” she said.
Sanya explained that the initiative, which began in 2015, was created to move away from top-down philanthropy by involving beneficiaries directly in identifying and shaping development projects within their communities.
She added that transparency and governance remain central to the selection process, noting that nominations undergo rigorous screening and field assessments before beneficiaries are selected.
Sanya also acknowledged the contribution of MTN subscribers, explaining that the foundation is funded through a percentage of the company’s profit after tax.
Also speaking, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, pledged the state government’s support for the initiative.
Sanwo-Olu described the programme as a practical development model capable of addressing infrastructure gaps through collaboration and community engagement.
“It is not a CSR programme; it is a development model that works,” he said.
He commended the leadership of the foundation for sustaining the initiative over the past 11 years, noting that its impact is visible in improved healthcare infrastructure, better learning environments, and enhanced access to clean water across communities nationwide.
