MTN Foundation Seeks Inclusive Society for Disabled Persons
MTN Foundation, the corporate social investment vehicle of MTN, has called for an inclusive society to benefit people living with disabilities.
The foundation made the call during the opening ceremony of the first International Conference on Disabilities, held in Lagos recently to draw attention to the plight of people living with disabilities and the need to foster social and developmental inclusion in the society.
The conference, with the theme 'Creating an Inclusive Society for All', focused on the need for society to enhance the living condition of those living with disabilities.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Ani Charles Bassey-Eyo, thanked stakeholders for their roles in developing the disability sector of the Nigerian economy. He said the conference was the first of its kind in Africa, the aim being to infuse private sector experience to support people with disability, as well as foster endearing relationships with the business community through dissemination of information and awareness interventions.
Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma, restated the foundation's journey towards having an inclusive society and the need to ensure inclusion of people with disabilities.
"MTN's philosophy of an inclusive society is borne out of the realisation that our social responsibility agenda cannot be complete without including persons with disabilities. We recognise this and have incorporated this philosophy into every initiative to benefit the affected people. We believe in education and empowerment of people with disabilities," she added.
MTN's effort towards inclusion has a three-pronged approach: public awareness and advocacy, through road shows and seminars; strategic partnerships with critical government stakeholders in the disability space and implementation of high-impact sustainable projects to support people with disabilities.
The opening plenary, which discussed the topic: 'Towards an inclusive society, improving access and building capacity', was moderated by Bassey-Eyo.
Governor of Nassarawa State, Umaru Al-Makura, fomer Governor, Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ugboma, President, Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind, Bashir Danlami, among other dignitaries, made up the panel of discussants during the plenary.
MTN’s Corporate Services Executive, Akinwale Goodluck, said: “Disability is of the mind and in MTN, we believe that there is ability in disability, which is why we have put in place all these projects to empower persons with disability. We will continue to partner government and other relevant stakeholders to improve the quality of lives of persons with disabilities across the country."
MTN Foundation has invested over N10 billion in social projects in key areas of education, health and economic empowerment in 341 locations across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).