Mr Idowu Adesokan, General Manager, Segment and Devices, MTN said that the MTN Champs Season three would commence in Benin from March 13 to 15.
Adesokan said the company has concluded plans to organise athletics competitions for secondary school students nationwide to discover young talents.
Adesokan stated this during a visit to Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, in Benin on Thursday.
He said that the programme which would also be held in Lagos and Akwa Ibom , would target 7,000 students nationwide.
“Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos states are targeted for this programme with 2,000 students in each of the first two states and 3,000 in Lagos.
“Since its inception in 2023, the programme had engaged 900 secondary schools, hosted over 15,000 students, and discovered 20 talented athletes for further training.
“The 20 selected athletes currently training at the MTN academy included several from Edo demonstrating the region’s strong athletic potential.
“The initiative aims to encourage youth to consider athletics as a career, focusing on grassroots development and promoting sports at the community level,” he said.
He said that Edo was chosen for the 2025 edition due to its continuous investment in sports development and its prominent performance at the National Sports Festival.
Adesokan emphasised the importance of grassroots programme like MTN Champs in reviving athletics in Nigeria, and fostering future Olympic athletes from the country.
Adesokan expressed gratitude for Edo State’s contributions, saying that three of the 20 selected athletes are from the state, highlighting its leading role in athletics.
“We are here to partner with the Edo government, and we want the government to be involved by providing sports facilities, accommodation, and logistics for the athletes.
In his remarks, Okpebholo praised MTN for choosing Edo to launch the programme and pledged full support for its success, including logistical and financial assistance.
Okpebholo assured MTN of the state’s cooperation in organising the event, offering resources such as transportation, accommodation, and government assistance for athletes and organisers.
He who confirmed his attendance at the launch, emphasised the importance of sports in driving development and raising awareness within the community and beyond.