Ahmed, Kwara State Gov,Commends Airtel’s Positive Impact on Society

Airtel Nigeria, leading telecoms operator, has been commended by Abdulfatah Ahmed, Kwara State Governor, for its laudable contributions towards the socio-economic development of the state through its robust CSR interventions.

Speaking recently during a courtesy visit by the Airtel team led by the Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, managing director and chief executive officer, Airtel, the governor noted that the Telco through its multi-faceted CSR initiatives has brought positive development in many states across the country.

Gov. Ahmed particularly praised Airtel for its Adopt-A-School project, Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) football competition and the Airtel Touching Lives programme, noting that these social intervention platforms of the Telco has created huge empowerment opportunities which have positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

He said: "We are highly delighted about Airtel's role in transforming society. We are happy to receive you today and we commend Airtel for its robust CSR initiatives. I am most especially pleased about the Airtel Touching Lives programme which cuts across youth and women empowerment, sports and education and truly translates to positive impact on our society.

"Kwara State is poised to work with Airtel to make its CSR projects very successful. We are going to ensure that the partnership is sustained as I assure you that the state is very receptive and willing to receive the support."

Gov. Ahmed also commended the vibrant leadership of Airtel Nigeria, saying that it is a sign that all hope is not lost in Nigeria.

In his response, Mr. Ogunsanya commended Gov. Ahmed's administration for its pragmatic strides which have led to rapid economic, social and infrastructural development in Kwara.

He said: "The enabling business environment which your administration has put in place in the state is noteworthy. Kwara State, as a host to Airtel Nigeria, is one of our emerging territories and we are pleased with the results and progress from this state. At Airtel, we feel very happy to be part of the progress.

"On our own part, we will ensure we stay true to our corporate philosophy and vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.”

The Airtel visiting team included Head of Public Relations, Mr. Adefemi Adeniran; Regional Operations Director (ROD), West, Segun Macaulay and Zonal Business Manager, West, Ekundayo Fatoki.

While highlighting some of the telco's CSR initiatives, Mr. Ogunsanya shed more light on the award-winning Adopt-a-School initiative, a platform through which the Telco provides ultra-modern classroom blocks with standard facilities including borehole for water supply, books and uniforms for the kids.

According to him, the programme also offers training for the teachers, noting that some of the schools currently benefitting from the initiative include St. John's Primary School, Oke-Agbo, Ogun State; Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Abi Local Government Area, Cross Rivers State and Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo State.

Ogunsanya also used the occasion to announce Airtel’s recent adoption of Local Government Education Area Primary School 1, Iyeru Okin, Offa, Kwara State which he said renovation and construction work will commence on soon.

He also briefly related the huge impact of the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) football tournament which the Telco sponsors annually in line with its commitment to discover young football talents and develop grass root soccer across Africa.

He recalled that the Kwara State male team lifted the 2014 ARS 4 National Championship trophy held recently.