Encomium
On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) hosted an appreciation concert to honor the MTN Foundation and donors for their contribution to promoting musical talent in the country. The concert, held at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, was graced by MTN Foundation officials, including Mr. Dennis Okoro, Director of MTN Foundation, and Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary of the foundation, along with revered MUSON alumni.
Established in 1989 to promote and foster the development of various musical genres, including classical and contemporary music, MTN Foundation has been a major sponsor of MUSON for 17 years, aligning with the foundation’s core objective of nurturing young talents in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Speaking at the concert, Princess Banke Ademola, MUSON’s Director of the School of Music, remarked that MTN has been instrumental in nurturing musical talents.
‘‘MUSON School of Music started as a promising dream to uphold a standard of excellence in the music education system in Nigeria. MTN Foundation’s partnership with MUSON has been instrumental in upholding and enhancing the quality of scholars,” she said.
Annually, the MTN Foundation provides a scholarship worth N250,000, covering tuition, books, and transportation for eligible musically talented youth to pursue their dreams at MUSON for two years. Princess Banke Ademola noted that a total of 457 students have graduated with MTN Foundation’s support and scholarship.
“MTN Foundation’s unwavering support spans across education, health, and economic empowerment, including the MUSON School of Music. Adding 10 new students to the initial 30 in the first year showcases MTN Foundation’s dedication to fostering talent and transforming lives,” she said.
Assuring MTN Foundation’s unwavering support toward nurturing talents in Nigeria, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, noted that scholars and graduates of MUSON School of Music are excelling both within the local community and on the international stage.
“We witness extraordinary performances from these young talents at various events. At MTN Foundation, our objective is to empower students to achieve their goals while being a part of their journey,” she said.
L-R: Tope Adeniyi Williams; Vice Chairman, MUSON, Chief Femi Adeniyi-Williams; Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya; Chairman MUSON, Louis Mbanefo (SAN); Director MUSON School of Music, Princess Banke Ademola; and Deputy Director, MUSON School of Music, Sir Emeka Nwokedi at the MTN Foundation MUSON Donors Appreciation Concert held in MUSON Centre, Lagos, on Thursday, November 7, 2023.
MUSON holds the annual Donors Appreciation Concert to show gratitude to individuals and corporates who provide consistent support to the school. The MTN Foundation MUSON partnership is a veritable platform that supports music scholars with the skills to effectively participate in the arts and culture value chain.
