Airtel Donates Borehole To Adopted School In Cross River

Lagos, Nigeria; January 16th, 2014: Leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has again demonstrated its commitment to primary educational development and the Upliftment of underprivileged children as it donates a borehole and other materials for learning to one of its adopted school, Presbyterian Primary School 2, Ediba, Abi Local Government Area, Cross Rivers State.

The donation comes barely six months after the telecom operator donated ultra-modern block of classrooms to the adopted school as part of its CSR initiative tagged 'Adopt-a-School.'

In addition to the borehole which will provide safe and clean drinking water for teachers and pupils of the school, Airtel Nigeria also provided educational materials including exercise books, note books, school bags and uniforms to pupils of the Presbyterian Primary School 2.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, who was represented by the company's Zonal Business Manager, South East Region, Onyekwucha Ikezu, presented the borehole and educational materials to the staff and pupils of the school in the presence of the Permanent Secretary for Education-Mrs Anna Odey who represented the Commissioner of Education, Professor Effiong E. Effiong, senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the traditional ruler of Ediba HRH, Ovai George Egbe, Ovai Osai 1 of Ediba .

It would be recalled that Airtel Nigeria in July last year donated an ultra-modern block of classrooms to the adopted school. The transformation of the school by Airtel Nigeria was a development that brought joy to the pupils and teachers of Presbyterian Primary School.

Speaking on Airtel's commitment to primary educational development, the representative of the company's Chief Executive Officer emphasized Airtel's commitment to its strategic partnerships with governments and organizations to uplift the standard of primary education in the country.

He said, “We are delighted to partner with the government and people of Cross River State in their quest to chart a new course for the development of education. 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 our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that we have committed to the adoption of public primary schools across Nigeria,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary for Education Mrs Anna Odey in her response on behalf of the Cross Rivers's State Government expressed great appreciation for the support the state has been receiving from Airtel Nigeria and urged other corporate organisations to take a cue from the company and join in the development of their operating environment.

The Head Teacher of the school, whose address was read by Master Flavour Johnson-a primary four pupil, stated with nostalgia how Airtel has made the school the first of its kind in Abi local Government with modern facilities creating a serene environment which has stimulated effective learning. She further informed the audience that one of the pupils came second position in the 2012 read and write competition across the state.

Master Flavour Johnson's excellent delivery of the Head Teacher's speech earned a resounding applause from all dignitaries present and Mr Onyekwucha Ikezu on behalf of the Management and Staff of Airtel Nigeria further buttressed the company's commitment to making the dreams and aspirations of young talents “COME ALIVE”, awarded a N100,000.00 scholarship from the Staff Philanthropic initiative of the company.

The Adopt-a-School initiative of Airtel Nigeria is parts of its contribution to development of education in Nigeria and assisting the less privileged schools across Nigeria.