MTN Nigeria has started the new year with a bold and impactful initiative, launching its “Go Make A Difference (Go M.A.D.)” campaign at an intimate event held at MTN Plaza, Lagos. The campaign is a call to action for Nigerians to take deliberate steps to inspire change and foster community development.
The face of this transformative campaign is none other than Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess grandmaster and founder of Chess in Slums Africa. Known for his groundbreaking efforts to empower children in underserved communities through chess, Onakoya embodies the essence of Go M.A.D.: dreaming big, working hard, and, above all, making a difference.
“Being a part of Go M.A.D. is deeply personal for me,” Onakoya said at the event. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I grew up in a small community, and at the age of 10, I couldn’t go to school anymore. During those years, I discovered chess. It taught me strategy, discipline, and gave me a sense of identity. More importantly, it showed me the power of sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and fighting for my place in this world.”
Through his role in the campaign, Onakoya aims to inspire Nigerians to not only master their skills but also use them to make bold, impactful changes.
Speaking on the campaign, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said, “At MTN, we believe in driving progress by empowering our customers to rise above challenges and create something extraordinary. The Go M.A.D. campaign reflects this belief. It’s about using the power of MTN’s resources—like data—to do the extraordinary and make a meaningful difference in communities, workplaces, and families.
“Tunde’s story, marked by resilience, determination, and success, exemplifies the very essence of this campaign. We are proud to have him on board.”
The event also featured chess matches led by Onakoya, symbolizing the strategic thinking, intentionality, and collaboration needed to create lasting change. The chessboard served as a metaphor for life, reinforcing the message that every move matters when pursuing meaningful impact.
MTN Nigeria plans to sustain the campaign’s momentum through community engagement initiatives. Whether mentoring a child, organizing a cleanup, or championing a cause, Go M.A.D. encourages Nigerians to recognize that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose.
As the campaign unfolds, it is clear that Go M.A.D. is more than just a marketing effort. It is a movement, a challenge, and a promise to inspire Nigerians to take bold steps toward creating a better future—one deliberate move at a time.
