MTN CEO Karl Toriola Leads N1bn Development Push at 40th Akoraye Day

The 2025 Akoraye Day celebration has set a new benchmark for community-led development in Nigeria, driven by the homecoming of Prince (Dr.) Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria. Responding to a formal invitation issued by HRM Oba Dr. Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Prince Karl arrived as a royal son and bridge to Nigeria’s corporate elite.

The event, held this past weekend, transformed the ancient town into a hub of high-power networking, drawing associates from the telecommunications, banking, and technology sectors to the heart of Osun State.

The atmosphere was electric as Prince Karl emphasised the Akoraye spirit of resilience that must now be matched with a digital-age infrastructure. Observers noted his presence was a personal commitment to ensure the town’s development keeps pace with global standards.

For the residents of Modakeke, seeing one of Africa’s most influential CEOs – freshly named the 2025 MIPAD “CEO of the Year” – walking their streets was a powerful symbol of possibility and a validation of their ancestral pride.

A major highlight of the day was the announcement of a N1 Billion Infrastructure Fund, specifically targeted at digitising local education and fixing critical access roads. Prince Karl’s associates, many of whom were visiting Modakeke for the first time, pledged significant support to the community’s trust account. This collective contribution is expected to fund the “infrastructure support, educational scholarships and youth empowerment initiatives” that the Ogunsua had identified as priority areas for the 2025 celebrations, ensuring that the next generation of Modakeke youths can compete in the global tech economy.

Beyond the financial pledges, the event served as a cultural masterclass. The MTN chief, dressed in traditional regalia that honoured his position as a Prince of the Kingdom, participated in the age-old Akoraye rites, blending corporate sophistication with deep-rooted tradition.

His presence emphasised purposeful progress, a theme that resonated with both the elderly custodians of culture and the ambitious youth looking for mentorship. This was a challenge to the community to move beyond mere celebration and embrace a maintenance culture for the new projects being launched.

The 2025 Akoraye Day will be remembered as the moment when Modakeke successfully leveraged its most successful global ambassador to secure its local future. With the N1 billion goal now within reach, the palace is expected to confirm a monitoring committee, comprising both community leaders and representatives, to oversee the transparent execution of all developmental projects.