Airtel Adopts School in Ajegunle, Lagos

Source: pointblanknews.com

 
L agos, February 02, 2011 – Leading Telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria, yesterday in Lagos took a definitive step towards supporting the growth and development of education in Nigerian, when it formally announced plans to adopt primary schools across the country as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adebisi Sarah Sosan, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop, stated that the Adopt-A-School initiative underlined the company's commitment towards partnering with government in the important task of uplifting the standard of education across Nigeria.

He unveiled the company's plan to kick off the Adopt-A-School initiative in Lagos State with the adoption of Oremeji Primary School 2 in Ajegunle area of Ajeromi/Ifelodun Area of Lagos state.

Mr. Swaroop revealed that Airtel Nigeria would build an ultra-modern six classroom block with an office for the head teacher and water borehole with lavatory facilities for the boys and girls as well as male and female teachers.

He added that the company would also provide school uniforms, furniture, books and school bags for the children stating that “it is pertinent to add here that we have not just come to build a structure and go away, but we will continue to support the adopted schools on a long-term basis”.

The Airtel Chief commended the effort of the Lagos State Government of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in transforming the state with particular reference to the excellent job being done in the area of education and assured that Airtel would continue to support the government in achieving its objectives in the area of education.

“It is certain that government alone cannot bring about the change we all are craving for, but we know that an enabling environment is necessary for change to happen. We are, therefore, motivated by both the vision and the various initiatives of your administration, to give our widow's mite in this concerted effort to make a difference in the lives of the people of Lagos State, especially the less privileged”, he said

According to him, “I hope the project would add value to the lives of the children of Ajegunle, and who knows we may be providing classrooms for the grooming of future employees of Airtel Nigeria”.

In her response, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adebisi Sarah Sosan commended Airtel Nigeria for deciding to support the State Government in its quest to uplift the standard of education, especially in the area of primary education for underprivileged children living in rural areas.

Specifically, she commended Airtel for selecting Oremeji Primary School 2 in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government (in Ajegunle) for the pilot of its Adopt-a-School programme, saying that the choice of the area is very appropriate considering the population of underprivileged children residing in the district.

“I am usually very excited when corporate organizations decide to support education at the primary level. That was why I warmly welcomed the Airtel team when they wrote to inform me of their decision to partner with us in the education sector. This is, indeed, very good for our children, the state and the entire country and I want to commend Airtel for this move,” she said.

Sosan also formally welcomed Airtel to Nigeria, congratulating the telco operator for a successful brand launch in November, last year.

The event was attended by Airtel Nigeria's Regulatory Director, Osondu Nwokoro; Director of Legal, Airtel Nigeria, Osondu Nwokoro and Airtel Nigeria's Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Oparah; Coordinator of Reading for Development Initiative, Mrs. Chinyelu Anyiam-Osigwe as well as officials of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).