The event was held on Friday, October 17, in the green garden at Airtel Nigeria Headquarters and was attended by the CEO, members of ExCo and employees from across the country.

A significant highlight of the occasion was the attendance by Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman and Former Airtel Africa Group CEO, Dr Segun Ogunsanya; Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; Commandant, NASS, Maj Gen Kennedy Osemwegie; and Senior Partner, KPMG, Mr Ayodele Soyinka.

Oshinlaja’s career at Airtel spans two impactful chapters. In his earlier years with the company, he served as Regional Operations Director, Lagos and Regional Operations Director, West; and later as Vice President, Direct Sales.

He returned to the organisation as Chief Commercial Officer in 2022.

His leadership marked a period of strong commercial performance for the company. Based on NCC’s publicly published results between 2022 and 2025, Airtel Nigeria’s customer market share went up from 28% to 34% and its share of share of internet subscribers grew from 28% to 35%.

These gains reflect improvements in operations efficiency, customer acquisition, retention, and value optimization under his leadership.

Before rejoining Airtel, Oshinlaja served as Chief Operations Officer at Sasai Fintech in Mauritius. Earlier in his career, he held senior commercial and sales roles at Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola Hellenic), Diageo, Nokia, British American Tobacco and Equity Bank. With over two decades in telecoms, FMCG, banking and technology, he is widely regarded as a well-rounded commercial strategist who combines operational discipline with an instinct for people and markets.

Tributes from colleagues at the event reflected both respect and affection.

Dinesh Balsingh, chief executive officer, said:

“Femi’s work was commendable, and his leadership success is undeniable. Wishing him success in his next endeavours.”

Ismail Adeshina, director of Marketing, remarked:

“Femi is leaving at a time when the ovation is loudest. It was indeed a pleasure to work with him and if he calls anytime, it would be a pleasure to work with him again.”

Femi Adeniran, director of Corporate Communications and CSR, reflected on their time together in the Airtel Nigeria ExCo:

“We navigated some turbulent waters together; but during that period, Femi remained a steady presence. His relentless energy and focus were invaluable to the company.”

Kemi Ariyo, director of IT, added:

“Femi was not only a colleague; he was also an adviser. He was one of those people to whom you could always turn for support.”

The evening featured short speeches, music, photo presentations and gifts from teams across the business.

Many attendees described him as a leader who built systems but also built people, mentoring energetically, demanding excellence and remaining accessible round the clock.

In his response, Oshinlaja thanked colleagues for “friendship, trust and the privilege to serve” while expressing confidence in the team leading the business forward.

Children’s Day is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful national reminder that the future we hope to build depends largely on the investments we make in our young people today.

As an organization, Airtel Nigeria believes that this future should be inclusive, innovative, and informed by the realities of a rapidly evolving world. For more than a decade, our Corporate Social Responsibility agenda has prioritised access to education and digital empowerment.

We do this not just as corporate citizens, but as stewards of a future where technology and talent must work hand in hand to elevate Nigeria.

Reimagining Education for Every Child

In partnership with UNICEF, Airtel Nigeria has been a proud driver of the Reimagine Education initiative, a transformative programme that has been closing the digital divide in classrooms by ensuring Nigerian children, especially in underserved communities, can access quality digital learning through platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP).

By enabling zero-rated websites and apps, digital infrastructure, and connectivity support to schools across multiple states, this partnership has already reached over 800,000 children and 17,000 teachers with practical tools for 21st-century teaching and learning.

Beyond infrastructure, we understand the human element of education. That is why our long-standing, and still growing, Adopt-a-School programme has not only rebuilt classroom blocks and provided teaching resources but also sponsored school fees, uniforms, and meals for students in disadvantaged communities. Rather than being seasonal, these efforts are sustained, intentional, and anchored in our belief that no child should be left behind.

Doubling Down on Youth Development in 2025

This year, Airtel Nigeria is reaffirming its commitment to the next generation in even bolder ways. In March 2025, we made a landmark donation of ₦1 billion to the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, an ambitious initiative to train Nigerian youth in digital skills that are in high demand globally, from software development and cybersecurity to AI and data science.

Our support for 3MTT demonstrates a future-facing vision: education must not stop in the classroom. Nigeria’s young people need not just certificates, but competencies.

They deserve access to modern skills that make them employable, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive. By backing programmes like 3MTT, we are helping lay the foundation for a workforce that can build and own the digital economy of tomorrow.

Partnerships for Impact

These commitments are not made in isolation. We continue to work closely with federal and state governments, schools, education agencies, and development partners to align our CSR projects with national goals.

We understand that true impact lies in synergy, in finding where our strengths as a telecommunications leader can accelerate the country’s aspirations for inclusive education and national development.

In the coming months, we will expand our engagement with local schools through technology hubs, career mentorships, teacher training programmes, and community-led initiatives designed to inspire curiosity and cultivate excellence among school-age children across Nigeria.

Children First, Always

At Airtel Nigeria, we carry a simple truth in all we do: the future is already right here. It is sitting in our classrooms, logging in from tablet in a remote village, asking questions in brilliant language, and dreaming boldly without limits.

Children’s Day 2025 is a moment for everyone to recommit. To remember that giving a child access to knowledge is giving a nation access to greatness. That a skilled, educated child today becomes the innovator, journalist, teacher, engineer, or changemaker of tomorrow.

As we celebrate our children today, we must also rise to our responsibility to prepare them, not just with hope, but with tools. Not just with dreams, but with opportunities.

At Airtel Nigeria, we are inspired to lead from the front.

*Femi Adeniran is the Director of Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider committed to digital inclusion and national development.

Over the weekend, representatives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel and 9mobile joined by the leaders of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had a no-holds-barred session with a cross-section of media personalities, and argued strongly that the 50% tariff adjustment was necessary to save the industry from total collapse.

NCC approved 50% tariff adjustment 

Recall that the industry regulator – the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) – on January 20, 2025 announced the approval for upward review of telecom tariffs in the West African country.

The Commission led by Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of NCC, said the approval was in pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators

NCC said it “will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.”

The adjustment, according to a statement by Reuben Muoka, the director, Public Affairs at NCC, said the tariff increase capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

NLC disagrees with NCC and Telcos

However, the announcement attracted criticisms in several quarters, especially among subscribers.

Leading the opposing voices is the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC). The body also plans to protest against the 50% telecom tariff increase.

NLC argued that the increase would add to the hardship faced by Nigerians, especially when they are paying more for food, electricity, petrol and others.

CHRMG tackles NLC

The NLC’s argument attracted the attention of the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups (CHRMG) which condemned the NLC’s planned protest, describing it as “misguided and not in the public interest.”

The CSOs said the tariff hike, approved by the NCC is a necessary measure to prevent the telecom sector from collapsing.

According to Dr. Gabriel Agibi, President of the group, with the current inflation rate at 34.8%, a nearly 300% increase from 8.5% in 2013 [sic: the last time telecoms tariffs were reviewed], the tariff adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities.

Agibi said the NCC’s decision was made in good faith, taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

He added that the tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards.

Tariff adjustment is necessary to save industry from collapse – ALTON

According to ALTON Chairman, Engr, Gbenga Adebayo, NCC made the vital decision to allow Telecom companies to increase their tariffs for the first time in more than 12 years.

“It was a brave decision that should be recognised and commended”.

“All the customers of our member operators are understandably disappointed that they will have to pay more to stay connected. We recognise that. We know that Nigerians have been through a series of even more substantial price increases in other sectors like fuel and power.

“That is why it is so important for us to set out why the tariffs need to go up, how the revenue from the price increases will be used and how long it is going to take us to deliver the improvements that our customers will be able to see and appreciate”.

Adebayo who argued there’s no such thing as “too big to fail” in the telecoms industry, further reminded those kicking against the price adjustments that telecom sector is capital-intensive hence it requires constant investment to maintain the infrastructure that operators use to deliver connectivity, “ensuring that we can deliver the quality of service that our customers demand and continue to upgrade to the latest technologies like 5G”.

…a step to get Telecom Sector out of the ‘sickbed’ – Okigbo

Speaking during the session over the weekend, Tobe Okigbo, chief corporate services and sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said:

“We are not talking about profitability right now; we will get there eventually. Our first priority is to get out of this sickbed. We are talking about survival because this industry is central to national development in the digital age. Imagine how backward we would become as a nation if the telecoms industry were to collapse.

“What are the alternatives? Telecoms services are critical to the growth and sustainability of key sectors like banking, healthcare, education, entertainment, and commerce. Is there any industry that doesn’t rely on telecoms services?

“Some of us are advocating for the sustainability of this industry not just because we work in the sector, but also because we have witnessed its evolution and growth. Now, we are seeing a decline; even before reaching our peak!

“Every sector that has collapsed or declined in Nigeria did not get to that point overnight; it happened gradually. We must not let the telco industry collapse.

“Let’s all do our part to keep this vital industry alive. With the right pricing, telcos will be able to ramp up investment that will enable them to provide even better quality services. We expect customers and regulators to hold us accountable. We all have a stake in the telecoms industry.

“It’s our industry. Yes ‘our’ because it belongs to all of us. Let’s not watch it die because we want to pay less, which will eventually suffocate the industry till it will no longer be able to breathe”, he said.

Nodding in agreement, Femi Adeniran, the director, Corporate Communications& CSR at Airtel Nigeria, re-emphasized the need to protect the ‘ostrich that lays golden eggs.

According to him, telecommunications industry provides infrastructure for other sectors hence the services are not just about phone calls or browsing the internet; “it powers vital sectors like education, healthcare, banking, and public safety, and deserves to breathe too”.

He said the industry is even committed to play greater roles towards deepening Nigeria’s digital economy as a critical pillar of the country’s national development strategy.

…a step towards long-term sustainability

Kenechukwu Okonkwo, the director of Product Innovation & Business Development at 9mobile, also commended the applauded the Federal Government for approving a 50% tariff adjustment, which he described as a vital initiative aimed at addressing persistent challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

“This decision, reached after extensive deliberations, marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry by enabling the necessary investments to enhance service quality (QoS) for consumers nationwide”, he said, and pledged 9mobile’s commitment to offer even improved services to the customers.

Techeconomy gathered that telcos may start adjusting their tariffs (upward) in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, representatives of Globacom, one of the ‘big four’, where conspicuously absent at the session on Saturday.

This is not just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a reality that plays out daily across Nigeria, threatening the backbone of our digital economy and undermining national security.

The Federal Government’s recent designation of telecommunications assets as critical national infrastructure is a landmark decision that underscores the strategic importance of connectivity in today’s Nigeria.

Telecommunications infrastructure is not just about phone calls or browsing the internet; it powers vital sectors like education, healthcare, banking, and public safety.

In a world increasingly defined by digital transformation, the integrity of our telecom networks is as critical as our roads, bridges, and airports.

Yet, this critical infrastructure faces relentless threats. Fibre cuts—primarily caused by construction activities, vandalism, and a lack of coordination between stakeholders—have become an epidemic. On average, operators report multiple incidents daily, disrupting services to millions of Nigerians.

Airtel Nigeria alone records a daily average of 43 fibre cuts and in the last six months, a total of 7742.

These interruptions not only inconvenience consumers but also hinder businesses, delay government operations, and compromise public safety, particularly in emergencies.

The dry season, while ideal for construction and public works, has exacerbated the problem. With an increase in road and building projects, the frequency of fibre cuts has spiked alarmingly.

This trend jeopardizes Nigeria’s broadband penetration goals and the collective efforts to harness technology for economic growth and social inclusion.

This is therefore a clarion call to all stakeholders—government agencies, security agencies, construction companies, telecom operators, the media and civil society—to collaborate urgently in safeguarding Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Beyond policy declaration, there is a need to urgently move to practical actionable steps some of which are:

1. Stronger Enforcement and Coordination: Security Agencies and Regulatory bodies, must enforce stricter penalties for fibre damage while creating platforms for seamless coordination between construction companies and telecom operators.

2. Regulating and Monitoring the Operations of Construction Companies: Construction companies to be regulated and monitored to ensure they accord similar status to telecom assets as they do to assets of other utility companies.

3. Right-of-Way (RoW) Simplification: Streamlining the RoW process will ensure operators can bury cables securely and proactively plan for infrastructure protection in partnership with local governments.

4. Adoption of Technology: Leveraging geospatial mapping and real-time monitoring tools will enable better identification of high-risk zones and faster response to incidents.

5. Increased interest and Support from the Nigerian Media: Media stakeholders should support Public and private sector actors to drive targeted campaigns and public enlightenment on the importance of telecom infrastructure and the dire consequences of fibre cuts.

Nigeria’s digital economy is a critical pillar of our national development strategy. To achieve the ambitious targets of the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and unlock the full potential of critical initiatives of the Federal Government like the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) which aims to train and find job placements for 3 million Nigerian youths (local and international) by 2027, the “Project 774” of the Federal Government of aimed at digitizing all the 774 local government offices across the country for efficiency, and private sector led developmental initiatives such as the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education Project where Airtel Africa has committed $57m to connect children to digital learning across the 14 countries of its operations in Africa, with Nigeria taking the lead,  our telecommunications networks must be protected with the same rigor we reserve for our power grids, water systems, and transportation networks.

The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains resilient, reliable, and ready to power the future.

Failure to act will cost us more than just dropped calls—it will jeopardize our journey to a truly connected nation.

*Femi Adeniran is the director, Corporate Communications& CSR at Airtel Nigeria.

He wrote the number of deaths, mortality rate among age groups and causes of death. Graunt revolutionised how we use medical data today. He was the first to use data to analyse,  understand, and solve a problem.

With the rise of the internet comes the rise of big data. Research showed that Sir Tim Berners Lee simplified the use of hypertext and hyperlinks for information sharing. Thus, when Google arrived in 1997, data became widely available to everyone who could access a computer or mobile device. Let us look at another type of data.

On the one hand

When you browse websites, download files, stream your favourite movies and soap operas or play games, your device sends and receives information as data packets.

Each activity consumes a different data volume. It depends. For instance, if you stream a high-definition video, you consume more data than when you send an email.

On the other hand

The Internet data is the bits and bytes of information transmitted through the World Wide Web. Emails. Videos. Messages. Web content.

These activities consume internet data. Whenever your device is connected to the Internet, it consumes data. Today, internet data has changed our lives. Without the internet data, you are dead. With it, you are alive.

Reason Airtel Nigeria offers you unlimited internet data experience. Ismail Adeshina, director of Marketing, Airtel Nigeria said you should not bother about the speed of your internet if you are on this data plan.

“We are the first in the telecom industry to introduce the unlimited data and the Airtel Smart Router, which enables users to convert traditional television sets into smart ones Due to our customers’ increased need for data, we have debuted the unlimited data bundle’’, he said.

In the long term

Aside from this, Airtel Nigeria is also in the data centre business. In the year 2027, the Airtel NXtra commercial data centre would debut. It is a tier four, carrier-neutral data centre.

The sunny side of this venture is that international web service providers like Amazon would be attracted to it like bees to honey. Airtel’s foray into the data centre space will revolutionise the business.

It will drive the localisation of data. Improve users’ experience. Increase data speed. Reduce latency. Kemi Ariyo, Director of IT, told the media roundtable in Lagos recently.

Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, said Airtel Nigeria offers an integrated suite of telecom solutions to its subscribers: mobile voice, data and mobile money services. The Airtel Africa Group will continue to provide a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined customer journeys.

As a leading telecom provider and mobile money services, and a member of Airtel Africa Plc with a presence in 14 African countries in East Africa, Central and West Africa (EACWA), the company is committed to the data revolution agenda.

Adeniran explained that Airtel is dedicated to network infrastructure and sustainability. It is also committed to digital transformation and technology.

He alluded to the company’s sustainability agenda in Africa, its people-centric programmes, its partnership with UNICEF to supply network connectivity to public schools in Nigeria (1,280 schools have benefitted already), its care for the environment through plastic waste separation, and the use of flasks for food and water instead of plastics.

Airtel is adopting the latest technologies that align with sustainability standards by implementing a hybrid solution that combines solar and lithium-ion batteries.

’’All you need is a satellite at a site and you can connect to the rest of the world. We are unique in this aspect as we work with two links: one serves as a backup to promote reliability and stability,” Harmanpreet Singh Dhillon, chief technology officer, said.

In the short term

To understand how the Internet can help you make an informed decision, select Airtel’s unlimited data plan.

Background

A human rights lawyer, Dr. Olubunmi Odeniyi, had petitioned Airtel Networks Limited over the inferno which engulfed its base station at Ikotun, Lagos killing one Chidi Emmanuel while inflicting “severe life-changing burns” on four others.

In a letter dated 2nd April, 2024, Odeniyi stated that the lives of the victims who were passers-by and residents of the area “are presently at grave risk and danger.”

In his letter over the incident which occurred on March 19, Odeniyi demanded “that Airtel Networks Limited must immediately fly all our Four (4) Clients together with an assistant each to the UK or the USA to the best burns center available abroad and pay all medical and incidental fees.”

“Aside from Emmanuel who was killed by the explosion, Feranmi Nureni Oluwatoba, Saheed Adeleke, Franklin Obade and Saheed Raji were badly burnt during the incident”, the statement reads in part.

Airtel’s Response:

The telecom company said it has since engaged with the third-party company which manages the site for a full briefing on the remote and immediate cause of the event.

Mr. Femi Adeniran, director, Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Nigeria explained in an official statement by the company, available to Techeconomy, thus:  

“Airtel Nigeria is aware of the recent fire incident at a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in Abaranje Lagos that services our network. We have since engaged with the third-party company which manages the site for a full briefing on the remote and immediate cause of the event.

“It is imperative to note that, while the premises contain equipment owned by Airtel, the management and maintenance of the facility have been handled by third party partners since Airtel divested from direct tower management five years ago.

“As we round off our evaluation of the situation, we extend our deepest sympathies to the members of the community who have been impacted by the accident.

BTS site managers, Carville Integrated Ventures, speak: 

Similarly, Carville Integrated Ventures Limited, the managers of the telecoms facility, has expressed sadness over the fire incident at Abaranje Base Station.

In a statement titled: ‘Fire Incident at Abaranje Base Station: Telecom Management Company Appeals for Cooperation and Safety Measures’, available to Techeconomy, the company said the incident, which occurred during maintenance operations on a leaking part of a diesel tank, resulted in injuries to some individuals from the local community who “forcefully gained unauthorized access into the facility hosting the base station during the maintenance work.

“Despite this breach of access control by the impacted individuals, Carville, who has responsibility for the site management expresses its sympathy to the victims and has offered to provide healthcare support to them.

“The management of Carville Integrated Ventures extends her condolences to the affected individuals and their families. Our hearts go out to those injured in the unfortunate incident. We are committed to providing support and assistance during their recovery process.

Carville also emphasizes the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, stating, “We stand by our commitment to the communities we serve, and we will continue to prioritize their welfare in all our operations.”

Furthermore, Carville appealed to community leaders and members to cooperate with the company in implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Safety is our top priority, the management affirmed. “We urge everyone to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all,” the statement endorsed by O.F Raji, reads.

“Carville is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence”.

Addressing an audience of industry experts, Mr. Adeniran shed light on the pivotal role of public relations practitioners in fostering an understanding of goodwill as a fundamental corporate investment.

During his remarks on the panel ‘Brand PR, Corporate Communications and the Bottom Line on Day 2 of the conference, Mr. Femi Adeniran emphasized,

“The duty of PR practitioners is to ensure that organizations understand that goodwill is a necessity that has a direct impact on the value of a business. It sits as a bucket of value. After establishing that, it is our responsibility as PR professionals to fill up this bucket through communication, stakeholder management, relationship building, and it’s from this bucket that organizations draw the fuel to propel their businesses forward”.

The panel, moderated by Victoria Uwadoka, lead, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability at Nestle Nigeria; also had General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; as a participant.

Other panelists were Lead, Public Relations, 9 Mobile, Chineze Amanfo; and Group Head, Media Operations, Strategic Communications and Events at Aiteo, Matthew Ndiana-Abasi.

The discussion further explored the benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and their alignment with a brand’s core values.

Babarinde noted that while marketing is for branding, PR is for earning public trust and loyalty.

Adeniran provided a practical example of Airtel’s demonstration of goodwill building, citing the telecom giant’s investment in digital education for public schools.

“At Airtel, our core business is about connectivity and this naturally translates into a strong focus on digital education. One of these digital education initiatives is our partnership with UNICEF. Under this initiative, Airtel Africa has pledged over 50 million dollars to facilitate the connection. We have provided connection to digital learning platforms to 920 public schools in Nigeria. To date, we have positively impacted over 600,000 children, with our sights set on expanding this initiative to encompass an additional 500 schools before the end of this year,” he said.

Mr. Adeniran’s insights underscored the imperative for organizations to integrate CSR initiatives aligned with their core business values, thereby fostering sustainable growth while concurrently enriching communities.

The speakers delved into a range of pivotal sub-topics integral to improving business profitability through a strategic deployment of public relations, including measurement and evaluation, the handshake between public relations and marketing, and an intelligent use of technology.

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.