Sunday Okobi
Nigerian telecommunications services provider, Airtel, has built and donated a multimillion naira, ultra-modern two-bedroom apartment to victims of a devastating inferno, the Aina family, in fulfillment of its pledge to the beneficiary in the just concluded Airtel Touching Lives Season 3.
Aina family, one of the several grantees who appeared in the philanthropy series, had been struck by severe challenges of life, losing four children in the fire accident that also consumed their building as well as all their material possessions.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, led a team of Airtel executives, comprising the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Emeka Oparah, to inaugurate and hand-over the well-finished apartment to the Aina family, yesterday in Magboro, Ogun State.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, Ogunsanya expressed heartfelt condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Aina over the loss of their children while commending them for demonstrating courage, resilience, and hope amid overwhelming challenges.
According to him, “While we can do little about the past, there is so much we can do about the present and our future. And that is why we decided to step in to help this good family to rebuild their future. I must say the future of the Aina’s family is very bright, and I encourage everyone to walk with them in getting the best out of the future.â€
The Airtel boss also stated that the telecoms company is committed to empowering the underprivileged to realize their dreams, noting that through the Airtel Touching Lives platform, Airtel has directly impacted hundreds of people and households just as it has positively impacted the lives of many Nigerians.
“Today is for the Aina’s family. Indeed I am excited to handover this two-bedroom apartment to the Ainas, as we pray that God Almighty will continue to reside with them, strengthen and enable them find peace in it. With this gesture, we believe that their journey to recovery from the unpleasant experience will be easy, smooth and much better,†he said.
Through the Airtel Touching Lives programme, however, the Aina’s family has been able to pick up their lives with renewed optimism.
“Things had become extremely hopeless for us,†said Mrs. Aina, as she recalled the numerous inauspicious events that she, her husband and their surviving child had to endure, adding that “but we cannot thank Airtel enough for coming into our lives; for helping us and for showing us hope again.â€
Expressing similar sentiments, Mr. Aina thanked God and Airtel Nigeria for coming to the aid of his family.
According to him, “Airtel has lifted a huge burden off me; they have walked with me in this very difficult journey, always comforting me and I cannot thank them enough.â€
Friends and family members were also among those who joined in felicitating with the Aina’s family during the inauguration ceremony.
