Connect with us

Telecom

Emotions, Encomiums at Premiere of Airtel Touching Lives

Published

on

Airtel-Logo.jpg
Kindly share this post

Guests were literally overwhelmed with emotions as they watched Mrs. Philomena Chime, one of the beneficiaries that featured in the first episode of the Airtel Touching Lives series, a new television programme focused on empowering the underprivileged, narrate her woes.

Mrs. Chime narrated how she is currently nursing four of her adult children who are seriously limited by major physical disabilities ranging from loss of hearing, near dumbness to a strange condition that leaves one of her daughters totally helpless and completely dependent.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of the guests who are mostly government delegates, captains of industries, accomplished entrepreneurs, leading NGOs and select media professionals as they watched the 30-minute episode at the premiere of the Airtel Touching Lives, which held on Thursday (December 18th) held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Mrs. Chime and two of her sons were at the event; and they sobbed and cried as they watched their close family members on the large screen planted at the middle of the expansive Oriental Ballroom.

Mrs. Chime’s wrapper was drenched with painful tears and her eyes were puffy, swollen and tired just as she appeared lost in bitter sorrow. On-Air Personality and anchor of the Touching Lives programme, Wana Udobang, hugged Mrs. Chime tightly as they both fought varying emotions. Earlier at the premiere, Udobang had spoken extemporaneously, describing Mrs. Chime as a rare breed, a special woman, a very strong person and a real fighter. “I just want to thank you for everything; despite your many problems and adversities, you are still standing and you are still coping. I just want to thank-you…,” she said amidst tears and in a shaky, unsteady voice.

Indeed, many in the audience were literally touched by the suffering Mrs. Chime had seen in her 34-year marriage. And when asked what she wanted by show host, Udobang, Mrs. Chime blurted: “anything… anything my sister…. The suffering is too much for me…. Anything.

A beggar has no choice….” At that point, Udobang explained the essence of the Airtel Touching Lives initiative, saying it is designed to provide relief and help to the downtrodden, disadvantaged and underprivileged.

“I am pleased to inform you Mrs. Chime that Airtel will provide hearing aids for your children, on-going medication for the children, robust health insurance package for your family and a means of livelihood for the family – a poultry farm with birds and feeds for the chicks for an on-going period,” Udobang announced.

Mrs. Chime’s face lit up and she was practically overwhelmed with tears of joy freely flowing down her cheeks. She just cried and could hardly say anything in response to the relief supply by Airtel.

Airtel Touching Lives is focused on identifying underprivileged persons/people with special needs and offer them solid platforms and opportunities that will emancipate these individuals from the shackles of poverty, despair and hopelessness.

Of course, the journey of identifying these individuals and empowering them is filmed and broadcast on terrestrial and satellite television stations in the fashion of an exciting reality television programme.

Touching lives initiative marks a significant milestone in Airtel’s history of CSR interventions in the country – it is a major philanthropic gesture by the telco to connect emotionally with Nigerians to alleviate the suffering of helpless people across the country.

This, without a doubt, underscores Airtel’s determination to enrich lives and contribute to humanity.

Speaking on the programme Segun Ogunsanya, chief executive officer and managing director of Airtel Nigeria, said: “Airtel Touching Lives underscores our determination to enrich lives and contribute to humanity. And the premiere tonight marks the beginning of a new journey in providing empowerment and a major lifeline for thousands of Nigerians.

“At Airtel, we are passionate about the people we serve and the Nigerian society. Airtel Touching Lives provides a platform for the underprivileged in our society to be identified, listened to and also cared for.

“For us, it is a commitment to connect with millions of Nigerians, alleviate their suffering and bring smile to their faces. Ladies and Gentlemen, Airtel has recorded huge successes with its many CSR interventions in the past. We have adopted four primary schools in Lagos, Imo, Cross River, Ogun States. Soon, we shall add one more from Kwara state. Our relationship with these schools is long-term, and entails not only taking care of their basic infrastructure needs but also providing books and uniforms for the children and training for the teachers,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Justice Alfa Belgore (RTD), chairman of Airtel Nigeria, said: ” As you have witnessed, this is, indeed, a laudable initiative that touches the heart and the very soul of one’s being and it is my utmost wish that you all join Airtel in supporting this noble cause. Airtel is intensely interested in the Nigeria project and it will continue to go the extra mile to make a positive impact in the communities it serves. I enjoin you all to become ambassadors of the Airtel Touching Lives project.”

The event which held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, was graced by top government functionaries, captains of industries, royal fathers, NGOs, media partners, and other distinguished guest from all walks of life. Some of the dignitaries at the event include Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; United States Consul General in Nigeria, Jeffrey J. Hawkins; Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun and HRH, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.

Bayagbon is public relations manager of Airtel Nigeria

 


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

Telecom

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending