By STELLAMARIS ASHINZE

MTN Nigeria, on Thursday, announced the rescheduling of the MTN Champs Grand Finale to honour the legacy of its founding Chairman, Mr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, who passed away on April 8, 2025.

MTN N said in a statement that the grand finale, which was originally scheduled to hold from April 30 to May 3, would take place from May 6 to May 9 in Uyo.

The statement said that the new date allowed athletes, fans, and partners alike to honour the memory of Mr. Pascal Dozie, while continuing the spirit of excellence and youth development that he championed.

?As the country and the MTN brand continue to mourn the loss of a trailblazer, MTN Nigeria remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation, on and off the track,?? the statement added.

In an earlier statement, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, described Dozie as a visionary leader whose pioneering role laid the foundation for what MTN had become today.

Toriola said that for 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction.

He said that as one of Nigeria?s most respected businessmen and a champion of private sector development, he played a vital role in securing the GSM licence that launched MTN?s operations in Nigeria.

According to him, his legacy continues to shape the company?s values and commitment to nation-building.

?His unwavering belief in Nigeria?s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring.

?His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,? he said.

The MTN Champs initiative was launched in 2023 with the aim of building future olympians for Nigeria.

It is MTN Nigeria?s bold commitment to discovering and nurturing the next generation of track and field athletes across the country.

Following regional competitions in cities such as Benin and Lagos, the Grand Finale in Uyo will bring together the most promising young talents from across Nigeria. (NAN)

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