By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development with a visit to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City. The visit coincided with the launch of Season 3 of the MTN Champs athletics competition, set to take place in Edo from March 13 to 15.
Speaking during the visit, Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Edo State government to ensure the success of the initiative. “We plan to utilize the state’s stadia and facilities during this period. We also request logistical support and accommodation for the athletes,” he stated. Adesokan also highlighted MTN’s commitment to raising awareness through advertisements and billboards while stressing the need for government partnership.
A press conference featuring Edo State officials will precede the competition on March 12, and Governor Okpebholo has been invited to attend the official launch. “Edo is the first state we are starting in this season. Seeing their governor at such an event will inspire the students,” Adesokan added.
Edo State has a rich history in Nigerian athletics and consistently ranks among the top performers at national competitions such as the National Sports Festival. The state has made significant investments in sports infrastructure, including mini-stadia across its local governments, aimed at discovering and nurturing new talent annually.
Reflecting on Edo’s contributions to past editions of MTN Champs, Adesokan noted the success of the program’s previous engagements in the state. “When we started in 2023, Benin was one of our initial locations, and it was very successful,” he said. He further revealed that three of the program’s 20 Most Valuable Players (MVPs), who are being groomed for global platforms like the Olympics, hail from Edo State. “This shows that Edo is a hub for athletic talent,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his support for the initiative, describing sports as a vital tool for development and community engagement. He assured MTN of the state government’s full support, including assistance with logistics, accommodation, and coordination through relevant agencies. “Hosting this program in Edo will be a decision you won’t regret,” he affirmed.
MTN Champs Season 3 will span three cities: Benin (March 13–15), Lagos (April 9–12), and Uyo (April 30–May 3). The program aims to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and potentially represent the country on global stages. This initiative reflects MTN’s broader commitment to private-sector investment in Nigerian sports, aligning with national efforts to revitalize athletics at the grassroots level while fostering youth empowerment and economic growth
