Airtel has commenced the much-anticipated annual initiative, “Airtel 5 Days of Love 2023.”
This was announced today during a press conference at the Airtel Nigeria headquarters in Lagos.
Scheduled to kickstart on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, this initiative is an annual event for Airtel Nigeria, reflecting the company’s employees’ commitment to giving back to the communities they serve.
Representing Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Airtel Nigeria, delved into the details of the initiative.
“Being kind can only register properly if we preserve the dignity of showing up,” he said. “Of course, we have people who are struggling, we have people who need help, we have people who the tiniest form of kindness goes a very long way for them.”
He highlighted the regional approach, covering six regions: West, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast, and Lagos. Femi expressed the company’s dedication to reaching people on the streets, irrespective of whether they are Airtel customers, emphasising the importance of kindness and generosity.
This year’s edition will start in Lagos, followed by Rivers and Kano states on Thursday, December 14, and Imo state on Friday, December 15. The activity will continue in the coming week in Kwara and Abuja, on the 18th and 19th respectively.
Adeniran shared insights into Airtel’s broader CSR efforts, including the Airtel-UNICEF Partnership, aiming to cover over 1000 primary schools by the end of the next year. He spoke about the company’s commitment to impacting human lives beyond business objectives.
Chioma Okolie, Head of CSR, Airtel, addressing the audience, noted the essence of “Five Days of Love,” emphasising the gratitude for the blessings of the year and the opportunity to share with the communities and individuals who have been part of Airtel’s journey.
Since the inception of the campaign in 2015, Airtel has supported over 40,000 individuals across multiple states in Nigeria, making it a tradition that will endure as long as Airtel exists in the country.
Adeniran further shed light on the significance of employee involvement in CSR activities. He emphasized that Airtel’s CSR is not just about financial contributions; it’s a way of life for the company and its employees. The Employee Volunteerism Scheme allows staff to dedicate their time to various community outreach programs, reinforcing Airtel’s holistic approach to social responsibility.
When asked about the impact of the economy on Airtel’s initiatives, Adeniran acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation but highlighted the company’s zeal to maintain the quality and quantity of its efforts, regardless of economic fluctuations.
Director of Distribution, Ifeoma Okafor-Obi, Airtel Nigeria, described Airtel as a people-focused organisation, adding that despite the difficult times being faced by families and organisations, Airtel will continue its long-standing tradition of ensuring that the vulnerable in the society also share in the experience the festive season.
“It is always our wish to extend 5 Days of Love to reach more Nigerians, hence our commitment to feed 6000 rather than the usual tradition of feeding 5000 underprivileged Nigerians. This is a testament to our deliberate effort to remain a company that cares,” Adeshina said.
The Airtel ‘5 Days of Love’ initiative, which began in 10 orphanages across Nigeria in 2015, has since expanded into several towns and cities across the country, with Airtel partnering with leading fast-food vendors to deliver food and drinks to the members of the public.
As the press conference concluded, Adeniran urged everyone to join Airtel on this journey of love and kindness. With the 5 Days of Love set to begin in Lagos and extend to other regions, Airtel anticipates providing material support and fostering a sense of community and togetherness during this festive season.
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