Telecom

Emotions, Encomiums at Premiere of Airtel Touching Lives

Published

9 years ago

January 1, 2015

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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

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Airtel Nigeria Leads Telecom Market Surge

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1 day ago

April 27, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.

According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.

In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.

Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.

Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.

This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.

Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.

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#BuildWithAI Hackathon: Google Developer Groups Lagos Partners SeerBit, GoMyCode

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1 day ago

April 27, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.

seerbit

This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.

“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”

Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”

“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.

The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:

Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.

The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.

GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.

Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.

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Airtel Boosts NIPR Public Relations Week with Onsite Unlimited Data Connection

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2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.

The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.

“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”

According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.

Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.

With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.

Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.

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