First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, has commended Airtel Nigeria for partnering with the State Government in providing educational opportunities for less privileged children and for uplifting the standard of education in the country.

She spoke at the commissioning ceremony of one of Airtel’s adopted schools in the State, St. John’s Primary School, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, adding that she was overwhelmed that a company would decide on its own, unsolicited, to move into an area and offer to serve humanity by providing world class educational opportunities, exceptional learning facility and other support for underprivileged children.

“I feel really overwhelmed by Airtel’s Adopt-A-School programme. Airtel came here unsolicited and is already doing so much. If only all of us can reach out the way Airtel has done, our society and, indeed, the world will be a better place.

“Airtel is not here today to market its products but to give back to our society. It has transformed St. John’s Primary School, provided bags, uniforms and text books for all the kids. This is commendable and should be emulated.

 She also called on the concerned community to protect the facilities for the realization of the objectives of the school.  “To the people of Ijebu-Igbo, Airtel has given us a special gift. I urge you to guard this school with your lives and ensure that it remains in great condition for our children to learn.”

Speaking earlier, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya said the company’s vision and commitment to providing quality education is premised on the need to build a better future for the young generation of Nigerians through quality 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 of our Corporate Social Responsibility vision that we have committed to the adoption of public primary schools across Nigeria,” he stated.Continuing, the CEO reiterated the commitment of the company to strategic partnerships that would drive further its vision of helping to develop the education sector in the country. He said that good companies give back to communities and if a company wants to be a great company it has to be a good one first.

“Our commitment to the people of Ogun State and Nigerians is long term. We will remain part of the schools we have adopted and we will continue to maintain the necessary support and care. As a matter of fact, our employees have volunteered to support this programme,” Ogunsanya said.

The pupils of St. John’s Primary School responded to the kind gesture of Airtel by staging a well-choreographed music and dance presentation in honour of the telco. Speaking on their behalf, the Head Teacher of the School, Mrs. Victoria Boyejo, showered encomiums on Airtel, commending the telco for transforming the school environment and for providing all other resources to aid learning.

The First Lady unveiled the plaque in the presence of about 700 guests comprising top government officials, traditional rulers, indigenes and pupils and teachers of St. John’s Primary School.

Key guests at the occasion included the Director: Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah; the Chairman, Ijebu North Local Government Area, Otunba Olaide Osifeso; Oba M.A. Yusuf, the Sopen Lukale, Oke-Sopen and Oba H.O. Abass, the Beje Ruko, Oke-Agbo, both in Ijebu-Igbo among other distinguished guests.

Airtel’s Adopt-A-School initiative is part of the company’s umbrella CSR program and it focuses on the education of underprivileged children in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of universal primary education. At present, similar initiatives have been completed in Imo and Cross River states in addition to the flagship effort at Oremeji Primary School 2 in Lagos.