MTN Nigeria has rewarded Ogbogbo Baptist Grammar School in Ogun State with ₦1.5 million after the institution finished second in the fourth season of its MTN Champs athletics competition.
The telecommunications company also donated sporting equipment, including javelins and jerseys, to support grassroots sports development and encourage students to pursue their athletic ambitions.
Speaking during the presentation, MTN’s Senior Manager for Sales and Trade Development in Ogun State, Gbenga Olalandu, urged students to balance sports with academic excellence, stressing that athletic success should not come at the expense of education.
Olalandu said the initiative was designed to identify, celebrate and nurture young talents while providing opportunities for students to develop their abilities beyond the classroom.
He noted that young athletes could pursue sporting careers and still obtain quality education, citing football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as examples of athletes who inspire young people.
According to him, sports also promote unity and strengthen relationships within communities, aligning with MTN’s broader commitment to connecting people and supporting youth development.
The school’s coach, Oluwafemi Nasirudeen, commended MTN for investing in grassroots athletics and called on secondary schools across Ogun State to provide students with opportunities for regular training after school hours.
He emphasised that consistent training would improve athletes’ performances and prepare them for higher-level competitions.
Similarly, the school’s Vice Principal, Bolanle Shebi-Omo, expressed appreciation to MTN for recognising the institution’s achievement and donating equipment to support its sporting activities.
She urged the company to sustain its investment in programmes that promote youth development and create opportunities for students to excel.
The fourth season of MTN Champs featured four secondary schools across South-West Nigeria, offering young athletes a platform to showcase their talents and compete for recognition.
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