Ogbogbo Baptist Grammar School in Ogun State has received N1.5 million from MTN Nigeria after finishing second in the fourth season of the MTN Champs athletics competition, as the telecommunications company continues to support grassroots sports development among young people.
Presenting the cheque at the school, Gbenga Olalandu, MTN’s Senior Manager for Sales and Trade Development in Ogun State, said the award recognised the students’ achievement and was intended to encourage them to pursue sports alongside their education.
The company also donated sporting equipment, including javelins and jerseys, to support the school’s extracurricular activities.
“We are here because we want to celebrate champions. MTN has embarked on an extracurricular sporting activity called MTN Champs, and the students of Baptist Grammar School were winners in that event,” Olalandu said.
He urged the students to pursue academic excellence while developing their sporting abilities, noting that young people could build successful careers in sports without compromising their education.
“You can still be Ronaldo or Messi and have a very good education, so we want them to combine both,” he said.
Olalandu added that sports played an important role in building relationships, strengthening communities and bringing people together.
Oluwafemi Nasirudeen, the school’s coach, commended MTN for investing in grassroots sports, saying the initiative would motivate young athletes to improve their performance.
He also called on secondary schools across Ogun State to give students opportunities to train after school hours, noting that regular practice would help them prepare for future competitions and develop their athletic potential.
Bolanle Shebi-Omo, Vice Principal of Ogbogbo Baptist Grammar School, also thanked MTN for its support and urged the company to sustain its investment in youth development.
She said the sponsorship would encourage students to recognise opportunities for achievement beyond the classroom.
The fourth season of the MTN Champs competition involved four secondary schools across South-West Nigeria, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities and compete for recognition.
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.