The Social Media Fest (SMFest) Abuja 2025, which concluded recently, was dominated by a powerful call for purpose-driven innovation from the MTN Foundation, highlighting the vital link between corporate social investment and Africa’s digital future. The event was a major success, underscoring Abuja’s role as an emerging tech hub.
The Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, delivered a stirring keynote address on the theme, “Beyond Profit Innovation and Pleasure that Transforms Lives.” Her presence highlighted the vital role of the private sector in accelerating national development.
In a remarkable moment of legacy, the Convener of SMFest, Ajah Excel, was acknowledged as an alumnus recipient of the MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme, a full-circle story that illustrated the impact of MTN’s long-term investment in Nigerian youth.
Sanya’s address was a rallying cry for the continent’s innovators to take charge of their future. “We live in a time of extraordinary possibilities. And we must pause and ask ourselves who is at the forefront and who is being left behind. I say if you are not at the table; you can create your own table and invite others to join. We need to ensure a future that works for everyone, as light can only shine in darkness,” she stated.
She emphasised that genuine progress requires a shift in perspective from mere financial gain to human impact. “We can make progress as this is the time to bring to bear all that you know. Through the MTN Foundation, it is about operating through the lens of giving back to the community and humanising society by carrying the people along. By closing the gap for people and accelerating opportunities to birth their purpose.”
Sanya provided context on the scale of the Foundation’s commitment. “The MTN Foundation started in 2004, as MTN Nigeria used its annual profit to invest in the community. The Foundation is 21 years now, and MTN has invested about N25 billion across about 4,000 communities in Nigeria, across the 36 states and the FCT,” she announced, adding that the goal is to reach all 774 Local Government Areas.
Reflecting on the Convener’s journey, she noted that the story further demonstrated how individuals empowered through such initiatives can go on to “create something greater.”
She concluded with a clear mandate for the youth, urging them to build a legacy of generosity: “As young people, whatever you do, you should look into making the next person better. Impactful people build impactful communities.“
SMFest Abuja 2025 attracted a distinguished roster of leaders who gathered to discuss and chart the course for Africa’s digital transformation. Key leaders present at the event included the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, CEO of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, and other notable stakeholders
