Encomium
In recognition of its exceptional community relations activities, MTN Nigeria was presented with the Excellence in Community Relations award at the Lagos State PR Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA) on December 18, 2021. Funso Aina, Senior Manager, External Relations, MTN Nigeria, was also recognised and awarded the Best in Crisis Management at the just concluded awards ceremony.
MTN was recognised for its efforts in touching lives with impactful community programmes across the country while Aina, the senior manager in charge of MTN’s external relations, was recognised for effective crisis communication and issue management.
Through its social investment vehicle established in 2005, MTN Nigeria has invested over 20 billion Naira in empowering more than 19 million Nigerians in 2,476 communities across 36 states and FCT in Nigeria. Over the past 15 years, MTN Foundation (MTNF) has implemented over 850 active project sites across 47 project categories in the health, education and economic empowerment sectors.
Executive secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya says the LAPRIGA honours are a ‘call to do more’, ‘‘to ensure Nigeria attains the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Good Health and Well-being.”
Aina who is a member of the NIPR, says he considers the award from an industry regulator, a testament to MTN’s commitment to ethical stakeholder management, proactive management of issues, and a strong belief in working with critical stakeholders for progress. “I am grateful for the recognition and extend my appreciation to the Lagos Chapter of the NIPR for promoting best practice in the industry,” he said.
At the ceremony, which held last Saturday at D’Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, NIPR Lagos chairperson, Comfort Nwankwo, appreciated industry stakeholders for their contribution to the practice of public relations.
“The LaPRIGA Awards has evolved, adding colours, dimension, values and the recognition of best accomplishments in reputation management, relationship management, and support for marketing functions,” she said.
The sixth edition of LaPRIGA was organised by the Lagos state chapter of the NIPR. The LaPRIGA Awards is a prestigious high-profile event showcasing and recognising excellence in public relations practice in the public and private sector.
