MTN Foundation has donated five security patrol vehicles to the Kwara State Government, in fulfillment of the company's corporate social responsibility.

Speaking at the public presentation of the vehicles on Thursday, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulFatai Ahmed and the Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, said Information and Communication Technology was key to the nation's business and economic development.

They said it was imperative for telecommunication companies and other business ventures in the country to be alive to their corporate social responsibility.

Goodluck, who is also Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, said that MTN Nigeria had invested over N10bn in CSR within the country.

According to him, security of lives and property was crucial for the growth of the ICT sector as well as other sectors of the economy.

He stated that the donation of the security patrol vehicles to the state government was part of the third phase of the MTNF's Security Support Project.

He noted that while MTN was committed to developing the ICT sector, it was also investing tremendously in adding values to society by addressing real societal needs.

He said, "The foundation has invested over N10bn in various projects in 341 locations across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

"The MTNF continues to support Kwara State by deploying high impact projects such as the MTNF Rural Telephone Project, Disability Support Project, Restructure Schools Connect Project, Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme, Learning Facility Supply Project, and the Emergency Relief Initiative."

In addition to these CSR initiatives, he said, "MTN is at the forefront of providing employment opportunities to young people in the state."

Ahmed, however, said that entrepreneurship development is a potent strategy to engage the youths, make them productive and contribute to business and national growth.

While stressing the importance of ICT to national development, he noted that security of lives and property was crucial to national economic well-being and governance.

"Security is one area that we have decided not to ignore because it forms a platform for growth and development.

"We desire to strengthen security and create an enabling environment for more Kwara indigenes to be at home and explore entrepreneurship," the state governor said.