United Nations (UN) says for Nigeria to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs), the country needs $10 billion annually.
Deputy Secretary General of UN, Amina Mohammed, made the disclosure virtually at the 20th MTN Nigeria Foundation (MNF) celebration on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mohammed said huge resources were needed for the achievement of the SDGs by 2030 and this cannot be done by government alone.
She stated, “Achieving our global goals will require resources far beyond the reach of governments alone. It will require us to mobilise support from all sectors, with the private sector engagement at the heart of our mission in Nigeria.
“Achieving the SDGs will require ten billion dollars annually, a challenge that no government can meet alone. Bridging this gap requires bold partnerships and contributions to the private sector from foundations like MTN Foundation and from international partners.
“It also requires creating a foundation of trust by tackling corruption, addressing illicit financial flows and fostering an environment where investments benefit all excellencies.
“The United Nations stands ready to accompany the MTN Foundation and other private sector partners on this journey, amplify our collective impact together. We can accelerate action on the SDGs, foster innovation and address systemic barriers to development.
“Through these partnerships, we can expand green and digital transitions in a way that leaves no one behind, ensuring that progress reaches all communities.”
Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, said, “For those two decades, we have stayed the course in transforming lives, empowering communities and investing in Nigeria’s future. At MTN Nigeria, we take great pride in our commitment to concrete social investment that is long term and of high impact.
“Also, we allocate one per cent of our profit after tax to the foundation to make it possible for these 50 major projects across education, healthcare and economy.”
Acting Chairman, MTN Nigeria Foundation, Dennis Okoro, said, “As we celebrate two decades of the foundation’s remarkable contributions to Nigerian social economic development through empowering communities, driving social impact, improving access to education, healthcare, skills, funding community infrastructure, we hope to impact more.
“Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $30 billion in more than 50 unique projects and initiatives positively impacting approximately 31.3 million Nigerians in 3,323 communities nationwide.
“As we gather to celebrate two decades of impactful philanthropic and transformative community engagement, we are inspired by the theme of this milestone event, ‘Unlocking Private Capital for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’
“We recognise the critical role that private capital plays in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and ultimately uplifting communities. Over the past 20 years, the MTN Foundation has been steadfastly committed to bridging gaps and creating opportunities across our nation.
“Our job, underscored by collaborations with dedicated stakeholders, has been one of progress, learning and unwavering dedication for social causes.
“We are driven by the belief that, harnessing the collective potential of the private sector, we can contribute significantly to national development goals and improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.”
Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, appreciated MTN Nigeria and their customers for providing them with funds.
Odunayo said, “We’re grateful to MTN Nigeria, grateful to our customers, because they keep us here, because it is based on the patronage of our customers that MTN can give the foundation anything to work with.”
According to her, the foundation has repositioned for the future.
She added, “We have repositioned today with the unveiling of our new identity, our purpose, our vision, our mission, and our logo.
“We have repositioned for the next 20 years, and we are building an MTN foundation that is future fit, and that will do much more within our communities, and help to build our nation, Nigeria. “One of the greatest challenges has been, the fact that you have little, but the needs are overwhelming. So our resources are not limitless.”
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole
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