MTN boosts employment in Lagos innovative project

MTN Nigeria has launched Bus Shelter Kiosks initiative as part of its commitment to empower unemployed youths in Lagos viz-a-viz creating a conducive environment for commuters in the state and in Nigeria generally.

The initiative which was launched at the Saka Tinubu bus-stop, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, last week, will see MTN construct 50 major bus-stops, fitted with modern sales kiosks where young people will retail phones and MTN products.

In addition to empowering the beneficiaries of the project, the bus shelter kiosks will also serve as touch points, where MTN customers can access service offerings and query resolutions, like SIM Swaps and that bill payments will also be added as soon as possible.

Speaking on the overarching objective of the project, the Chief Operating Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Muhammed Zia Siddiqui, stated that the initiative will not only serve as an empowerment platform, it will also positively impact the socio-economic status of the people of Lagos State.

“We are committed to touching lives, and this initiative is a strong expression of that aspiration. The bus shelter kiosk project will serve as a platform for some of our unemployed youth to earn a living.”

On his part, the acting Sales and Distribution Executive of MTN, Mr Adekunle Adebiyi, said the kiosks will leverage cutting-edge technology to drive superior customer service just as is obtainable in other MTN Friendship centres across the country. He added that the first phase of the project would kick-off with the roll-out of 10 kiosks strategically located around Lagos Island and Mainland areas.

“We are kicking off with the roll-out of the first batch of 10 bus shelter kiosks which will be sited in designated bus stops in Lagos Island and Mainland. The idea is to build capacity for 50 people across Lagos,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Taiwo Idowu, the Managing Director of Touch Point Nigeria Limited, co-partners with MTN on the project, stated that the bus shelter kiosks will achieve the triple objectives of making public transportation more appealing for people of the state, provide an organised retail structure that will promote a clutter-free platform for the sale of products and services as well as encourage economic empowerment through youth employment.