MTN Nigeria has stated that over N1.4 billion worth of airtime, data and devices has been offered for connectivity support to frontline health agencies including NCDC to combat covid-19 in Nigeria. The telecommunications giant stated this when it unveiled its new service Y’ello Hope Package to address the impact of COVID-19.
MTN Chairman, Ernest Ndukwe said; “The threat that COVID-19 represents to Nigeria requires an unprecedented response from the public and the private sector. We must all work together to develop and deliver the solutions that will allow us to contain this threat and protect the most vulnerable in our communities across the country.” In a statement, the company stated that, “as more and more people nationwide brace for the immense human, economic, and social cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to reassure everyone.
“We the staff, management and Board of Directors of MTN Nigeria and the MTN Foundation are committed to doing all we can to help you stay connected and support efforts to contain the outbreak. We are in this together. “COVID-19 is a new test of our collective strength. In response, we have deployed the first phase of a broad set of investments in support of the national effort to contain it.
Including: “In supporting government response efforts: “Supporting government (Federal and State) with communication systems, analytical response management and risk profiling. “Over N500 million worth of airtime, data and analytics, through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in support to State governments to facilitate communications during travel restrictions.
“Connecting medical personnel: Over N1.4 billion worth of airtime, data and devices for connectivity support to frontline health agencies including NCDC.
“Connecting customers with essential health information: Free data access to be used to access websites with validated information on COVID.
“Making it easier to stay in touch and support each other: “Up to 300 free SMS per month for all our subscribers, ensuring they can communicate with loved ones; “MTN has partnered with Ayoba, a messaging OTT provider, to grant free daily data access to its subscribers. “Free money transfers using the MoMo Agent Network from Y’ello Digital Financial Services.”
The company stated that it has partnered with the NCDC to provide its staff with access to voice and data services, telephones and toll-free lines to co-ordinate their response. It also explained how it has supported the Nigerian government to combat the deadly diseases. “We are supporting government at federal and state levels with communication systems, analytical response management and risk profiling.
These tools will enhance the capacity and preparedness of each state to manage the outbreak proactively, enabling them to identify the vulnerable segments of the population who require social intervention during the lockdown.
