The city of Jos once again took center stage as it hosted the highly anticipated MTN Champs Season 4, drawing athletes, coaches, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts from across Nigeria. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement, pride, and a shared vision to shape the future of athletics in the country.
Delivering the welcome address, Mrs. Ugonwa Nwoye, representing MTN Nigeria, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all attendees. She highlighted Jos as a city rich in culture, hospitality, and a strong legacy of sporting excellence.
According to her, bringing MTN Champs back to Jos was both intentional and symbolic. Plateau State, she noted, has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s most promising young athletes, making it a fitting host for a competition built on discovering and nurturing talent.
Since its inception, MTN Champs has rapidly evolved into one of Nigeria’s most impactful grassroots sports initiatives. In just three seasons, the program has recorded remarkable achievements:
Over 22,000 young athletes have participated nationwide More than 1,300 schools have competed across various host cities 30 exceptional athletes have advanced to the MTN Champs Academy for world-class training
Mrs. Nwoye reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to identifying and developing young talents, emphasizing that the initiative is creating a pipeline for future athletes who will represent Nigeria on global stages.
Speaking on behalf of the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Professor Ezra Gunen highlighted one of Jos’s unique advantages its altitude.
He explained that Jos’s moderate altitude provides ideal environmental conditions for training, especially for athletes preparing for international competitions. He also revealed that the National Sports Commission utilizes high-altitude locations within Plateau State to train both sprinters and long-distance runners.
His remarks reinforced the state’s readiness and enthusiasm to continue hosting MTN Champs, noting its alignment with the government’s vision for youth and sports development.
In his remarks, Mr. Sabastine John, representing the Governor of Plateau State, reiterated the government’s commitment to sports development.
He commended MTN for its sustained investment in grassroots sports, including talent identification systems, athlete support, and strategic partnerships. He noted that both MTN and the Plateau State Government are working collaboratively to build a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem.
Beyond the competition, he encouraged visitors to embrace the full Jos experience from its cool, peaceful climate to its rich culinary offerings such as suya and pounded yam.
MTN Champs Season 4 is not just about winning medals it is about inspiring dreams, building discipline, and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.
Athletes were celebrated as the heartbeat of the initiative, with recognition also extended to coaches, schools, and families who continue to nurture and support these rising stars.
As the event unfolds in the Home of Peace and Tourism, one thing is clear: MTN Champs is more than a sporting event it is a movement shaping the future of athletics in Nigeria.
Welcome to MTN Champs Season 4 where champions are discovered, dreams are nurtured, and the future of Nigerian sports begins.
