Leading Telecommunications Services Provider, Airtel Nigeria, yesterday, restated its commitment towards supporting the government’s quest for provision of quality primary
education in Nigeria.

The pledge came during a ceremony to mark the commencement of construction of an ultra-modern six classroom block at Oremeji Primary School 2 in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area in Ajegunle, Lagos State.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop underlined the company’s commitment towards uplifting the education sector in Nigeria, stating that Airtel Nigeria has commenced the journey to start
giving back to the people of Nigeria through sustained support for education at the most important level.

According to Swaroop, Airtel is not just laying the foundation of the ultra-modern six classroom block, which the company is donating to the people of Lagos State, but also laying a solid foundation for the future of Nigerian children, the future leaders of the nation. “Education offers children the best opportunity in life to realise their dreams and become the leaders of tomorrow. It is also important to note that a good environment is crucial to the development of a sound mind.

It is, therefore, in recognition of the importance of education and as part our corporate social responsibility vision, that we have committed to the adoption of public primary schools across Nigeria,” he said.

The Airtel Chief also disclosed that its Adopt-a-School initiative is a long-term commitment, revealing that the company will continue to provide and maintain the necessary support and care for all its adopted schools. “As a matter of fact, some of our employees have volunteered to come in occasionally to support the teachers with teaching, mentoring and other academic and physical development programmes for the children,” he said.

The stone laying ceremony was performed by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs Sarah Sosan, who was represented by the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Gbolahan Daodu. She hailed Airtel for their commitment and passion towards the development of primary education in Lagos state,
revealing that “it is also on line with the clarion call of the state government for private participation in quality education delivery.

She commended Airtel Nigeria for demonstrating passion and commitment in improving the standard of education in the State, noting that infrastructure plays a significant role in the development of the children.

She also praised the Telco Operator for its decision to also provide training for teachers; school uniforms for children as well as furniture, bags and textbooks under its Adopt-a-School initiative programme.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Deacon Obinna Nwabueze said the Local Government will throw its full weight behind Airtel’s Adopt-a-School programme, thanking the company for choosing Oremeji Primary as a pilot for the programme. “I want to assure you that the Local Government will support Airtel and
go the extra mile in ensuring that the company succeeds in this project. Airtel will continue to enjoy our support because it is through education that we can groom our future leaders,” Nwabueze said.

The event was also attended by Hon Adewale Adeogun, Education Secretary for Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA; Alhaji Yekeen Ayinde, Baale of Tolu Community, Ajegunle; Deacon Obinna Nwabueze, Vice Chairman of Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA as well as officials of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).