‘The future is built on enhanced connections’ — MTN rejects xenophobia

MTN Nigeria has condemned the xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa and the reprisals in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Ernest Ndukwe, its chairman, said the company rejects all acts of violence.

It sympathised with those affected by the crisis while calling for peace, saying “it is in all of our interests to work together”.

The telecommunication giant is one of the South African owned businesses which suffered reprisals attack in some states in Nigeria.

One of its offices in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo state was set on fire on Tuesday evening by an aggrieved mob protesting the attack on Nigerians in South Africa.

Another of its office in Mararaba, a suburb of Abuja, was vandalised on Wednesday.

It subsequently shut down all of its offices nationwide.

But Ndukwe said violence must be rejected in the strongest terms possible

“The Board of MTN Nigeria wishes to add its unequivocal condemnation of the xenophobia and violence against Nigerians and other nationalities in South Africa over the recent days, as well as the violent response to it in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“We offer our profound sympathies to all those affected and urge all stakeholders and communities in Nigeria, South Africa and other countries, to act with restraint, and to work collaboratively to address these issues. Our future as a continent will be built on enhanced connections and greater integration economically, culturally and politically. It is in all of our interests to work together.”