Airtel Pledges More Support For Primary Education

Lagos, Nigeria; July 29, 2013: Leading telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria has pledged more support to the quest for quality primary education especially in public schools in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, made this commitment on Tuesday in his address at the commissioning of two block of classrooms and staff offices reconstructed by the company at the Presbyterian Primary School 2, Ediba in Abi Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State.

Mr. Ogunsanya said Airtel Nigeria identifies education as a catalyst for the realization of individual and collective dreams and the development of any nation. Consequently, Airtel would remain committed to creating the enabling environment to actualize this essence through strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Ogunsanya stated, 'Without a doubt, quality education offers children the best opportunity in life to realise their dreams and become the leaders of tomorrow. A great environment is also critical to the development of a sound mind. It is, therefore, in recognition of the importance of education and as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility philosophy that we have committed to the adoption of public primary schools across Nigeria. '

Speaking further, he said, 'Our commitment to the people of Cross River State and Nigerians is long term. We will remain part of the schools we have adopted and we will continue to provide the necessary support and care'

Regional Director, South, Mr, Godfrey Efeurhobo, who represented Mr Ogunsanya at the event called for collective efforts in addressing the challenges bedevilling primary education in public schools across the country. While commending the Cross River State Government over its free education programme for pupils in primary school, he urged local authorities in the country to help safeguard the goodwill gestures of corporate citizens by ensuring projects such as the Airtel's Adopt-a-School programme are protected from hoodlums and vandals.

In his response, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke commended Airtel Nigeria for its vision and commitment to uplifting the standard of primary education in the country as well as its strategic partnership with the state, which he described as 'a cherished one'.

Governor Imoke, who was represented by the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, stated that 'The Adopt-a-School programme we all know is one laudable venture designed to impact positively on the academic lives of our children. This collaborative effort by Airtel Nigeria therefore is indeed a much cherished one that will go a long way to assist the State Government to realize its vision for the Education Sector.'

Airtel Nigeria adopted the school in 2012 and rehabilitated it to provide a conducive learning environment, equipped with modern facilities and teaching aids. Airtel also provides branded school bags, textbooks, notebooks and uniforms for the students as well as furniture for members of staff.

This is part of Airtel's CSR programme, which focuses on the education of underprivileged children in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of achieving universal primary education. It also aims at uplifting the standard of primary education across Nigeria.

Upon commencement of operations in Nigeria in 2010, Airtel flagged off the Adopt-A-School programme with construction of the multi-million naira ultra-modern blocks of classrooms, offices and lavatory facilities at Oremeji Primary School, Ajegunle in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos.