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Airtel Employees Urge Nigerian Children to Embrace Reading Culture @ World Book Day
Employees of leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, have called on children across the country to adopt the reading culture as it commemorates this year’s edition of the World Book Day
The World Book Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on April 23, 1995, and it is set aside to carry out activities with the aim of encouraging a culture of reading in all ages.
The Airtel employees have also unveiled plans for marking the World Book Day, saying they will donate thousands of reading books to children across its Adopted primary schools in Nigeria while also hosting interactive reading sessions with the children in the schools.
The programme, which is at the instance of the company’s award-winning Employee Volunteer Scheme (Airtel EVS), will be held in primary schools in Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Cross River, Imo and Kwara and it is entirely funded by employees of Airtel Nigeria.
Commenting on the initiative, Surendran Chemmenkotil, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, said Airtel employees are passionate about building a solid future for children especially underprivileged kids as well as relentless in its focus in promoting continuous learning among deprived and underprivileged children.
“Knowledge is power, and books are full of it. We want children, no matter their family background or economic status, to have their imagination stimulated and to expand their understanding of the world. Indeed, Airtel hopes to inspire and uplift as much children as we can – even underprivileged ones – so that they can strive for a better future and contribute to nation building.
“Access to education is at the heart of our Sustainability strategy and I am glad that my colleagues are not just pursuing this vision at a corporate level but also at a personal level,” he said.
The initiative will kick off on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the Oremeji Primary School, Ajegunle, Lagos, and Yahaya Hamza Primary School, Zaria Kaduna while the train will move to the Iyeru-Okin primary school, Offa, Kwara state and Presbyterian Primary School, Cross River State on the 27th of April. The final leg of the programme will hold at St. John’s Primary School, Ogun State and Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo State on the 28th of April.
As part of the programme, Airtel employees will not only donate books but also take time off work to interact and read with all the children in the six adopted schools.
Airtel Nigeria’s Adopt-a-School programme is targeted at rehabilitating the physical structure of underserved, rural schools while providing educational resources for the children and capacity building support for teachers on an ongoing basis. The programme was launched in 2011 with the adoption of Oremeji Primary School, Ajegunle, Lagos.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has revealed plans to commence investigation into the activities of an entity operating under FF Tiffany, allegedly running a fraudulent investment scheme that has defrauded citizens.
A statement by the SEC on Tuesday in Abuja said preliminary information revealed that the scheme, which promised investors unusually high and unrealistic returns, had resulted in the loss of several billions of naira.
The SEC said it viewed the activity as a threat to investor confidence and the overall integrity of the financial system.
The commission assured the public that it was working closely with law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies to bring everyone involved in the unlawful operation to justice.
According to SEC, those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the Investment and Securities Act and regulatory provisions.
SEC reiterated its earlier warnings to the general public to desist from engaging in Ponzi or unregistered investment schemes that promised guaranteed or exaggerated returns.
“These schemes are not registered with the SEC and do not offer investor protection under the law.
“The commission is currently investigating 79 schemes and will make a statement on its findings at the conclusion of the investigation,” the SEC said.
The commission encouraged investors to conduct due diligence and verify the registration status of any investment firm or product by visiting the SEC website or contacting the commission directly through official channels.
SEC said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting investors, ensuring fair practices, and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
The Ogun Tech Hub in Abeokuta, Nigeria received a significant step towards increasing digital access and empowering young people as US Embassy in Nigeria launched the ‘Window on America’ facility.
The newly opened centre will offer free high-speed internet, computer access, and targeted programs to help young Nigerians build essential skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), the US Embassy described the hub as a modern ICT and resource centre meant to promote digital inclusion and provide youths with skills.
“Hello Abeokuta! We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. This dynamic space offers free high-speed internet, computers, and programs to help young people gain tech, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills,” the Embassy wrote.
The facility was established in collaboration with the Ogun State and GFA Technologies, a software solutions provider for startups and SMEs.
The Embassy said the facility is part of its wider network of 29 American hubs across Nigeria, designed to empower youth and broaden access to global knowledge and opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun urged young people to use the ICT industry for self-sufficiency and competitiveness globally.
He lauded the program as a public-private cooperation that connects Nigerian youngsters with global innovations.
The governor said: “The Ogun Tech Hub serves as a collaborative space for technologists, startups, and social entrepreneurs to develop tech-driven solutions for societal challenges. The partnership is aimed at positioning Ogun State as a leading tech hub in Africa, supporting creative problem-solving and commercial innovation.”
With the ‘Window on America’ program fully operational, Ogun State is well-positioned to boost youth empowerment and digital literacy.
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