The MTN Foundation has unveiled the sixth phase of its “What Can We Do Together” initiative, in its efforts to continue to promote community-driven development. As a result, the foundation is inviting Nigerians to nominate communities to benefit from the planned upgrade of 40 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and 15 public secondary school science laboratories across the country.

The Chairman of the foundation, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, represented by Sir Etim Amana, a director, stated that “What Can We Do Together” (WCWDT) initiative allows communities to identify their needs, while interventions are verified and delivered transparently.

Belo-Olusoga added that the initiative was designed to prioritise collaboration with communities rather than imposing solutions on them, stressing that sustainable development must be built on shared responsibility.

She further said the WCWDT programme challenges the long-standing approach where development is done for communities, instead of advocating for development carried out with communities.

Giving insight about the impact of the foundation’s interventions, she revealed that 181 PHCs had been revitilised, with over 3.3 million Nigerians accessing improved and dignified healthcare services.

She also said 110 science laboratories were upgraded and equipped across the country, enabling students to gain practical knowledge and better prepare for careers in science, engineering, and medicine.

According to her, through the projects, 623 communities across 32 states have been reached and impacted.

On her part, the foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs. Sanya Odunayo, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building, noting that sustainable impact can only be achieved when individuals and communities work together.

According to her, during the phase six of the project, 40 PHCs would be revitalized while 15 science laboratories of secondary schools would be upgraded and equipped.

Sanya stated that the foundation’s intervention goes beyond infrastructure, incorporating solar power installations, water access, modern equipment, and capacity building for teachers and healthcare workers.

She noted that the initiative, which began in 2015, was designed to move away from traditional top-down philanthropy by involving beneficiaries directly in identifying and shaping development projects in their communities in a very transparent process.

Sanya stated that transparency and corporate governance were central to the initiative, stating that thousands of nominations are received nationwide, followed by rigorous screening and field assessments before final beneficiaries are selected.

She acknowledged MTN subscribers as key drivers in funding the initiative, as the foundation is financed by a percentage of the company’s profit.

In his goodwill message, the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Jide Idris thanked MTN for all it has been doing, especially in addressing gaps that often lead to vulnerability in the society.

The Oloola of Ilara in Yewa North Local Council, Ogun State, Oba Mutiu Alani Adedimeji Oyede-Lawal, whose community’s PHC was revitalized, praised MTN for the intervention and spoke eloquently about the impact and transparent process of selection.