Abuja: MTN Foundation has brought growth into the Nigerian creative industry through comedy and other entertainments. The foundation, which brought together entertainers at the Night of a Thousand Laughs, Abuja, said it had over the years funded museums, drama productions, comedy shows, and broader artists’ development programmes.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Senior Manager, Sales and Trade Development for MTN, Abuja, Fasa Obazenu, said it had helped performers sharpen their craft, reach wider audiences, and turn their passion into sustainable careers. Obazenu emphasized that beyond connectivity, the company had made talents’ scouting a core part of its mission by searching for bright sparks in every corner of the nation.

Obazenu stated, “Just like the slogan says, MTN everywhere you go. We look for talent everywhere we go. And the entertainment sector is one sector that has showcased growth over time. So, all along MTN has always been partnering with them to support them, to bring them to the level that they’re in. We have been part of that journey. We are part of that success.”

He further mentioned that MTN Foundation supports various initiatives, including museum centres, drama, comedy, and sponsorship of shows, to aid artists’ development.

Earlier, Mr Bright Okpocha, a Nigerian comedian popularly known by his stage name, Basketmouth, remarked on the evolution of comedy, noting that “today, comedy feels polished,” compared to its earlier “street level” days. Okpocha encouraged Nigerians to focus on the art itself rather than the personality behind it and hinted at his upcoming event in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event brought together stakeholders in the industry for connectivity and entertainment.