The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, aligning institutional priorities and shaping the Summit as a platform for African-led health systems reform.

Officials from the UNICEF, the WHO, the UNFPA, the UNAIDS & UN Women, also known as the H6 were joined by the International Organization for Migration.

The team welcomed Aga Khan University’s leadership in convening the Summit and underscored Nairobi’s importance as a regional hub for multilateral health engagement.

Dr. Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Representative to Kenya, noted the strategic alignment between WHSRM themes and UN priorities.

“Hosting this Summit in Nairobi puts Kenya firmly on the global health map,” she said. “The themes strongly align with the H6 and the Every Woman, Every Child agenda, offering a powerful opportunity to bring together practitioners, policymakers and partners around shared priorities.”

Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, Dean of AKU’s Medical College in East Africa, briefed partners on the Summit’s structure and eight thematic areas, stressing its ambition to generate practical, evidence-based outcomes.

“Africa must shift from isolated projects to systems-level change,” he said. “The Summit will convene policymakers, civil society, researchers, the private sector and development partners around measurable solutions and elevate Africa’s voice in global health conversations,” said Prof Lukoye who is also the International President of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting.

Joining Prof Lukoye from AKU were Aga Khan University Hospital CEO Rahid Khalani, Brain and Mind Institute Director, Prof. Zul Merali, Director of the Cancer Centre Prof Mansoor Saleh and Director of University Advancement, Arif Neky among other officials.

The meeting underscored the shared recognition that Africa’s rapidly changing health landscape requires deeper collaboration and more coordinated investment.

Discussions covered several priority areas, including adolescent health, cancer research and genomics, mental health, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, health security, and the commercial determinants of health.

AKU experts highlighted ongoing work in cancer genomics, mental health epidemiology and health innovation, while UN agencies expressed interest in co-hosting sessions, report launches and side events at WHSRM Nairobi.

Participants noted the importance of strengthening the role of research and data in informing policy, particularly in areas where African populations face unique challenges, such as genetic variations in cancer, mental health stigma, and gaps in access to essential medicines.

The meeting also emphasized the need to involve youth, civil society and the private sector more deliberately, recognising their role in shaping sustainable, long-term health systems.

There was broad acknowledgement that Kenya’s growing health innovation ecosystem, spanning digital health, biotechnology, community health, and regulatory reform offers a strong foundation for hosting a Summit of global and regional significance.

Participants also noted strong support from the Government of Kenya, including plans for an AU-led Head-of-State segment and a ministerial convening during the Summit.

WHSRM Nairobi is set to benefit Nigeria, which is rapidly strengthening its health system through major reforms and investments, including the commissioning of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja and over $2.2 billion secured under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

The country is renovating more than 17,000 primary health centres, training 120,000 frontline health workers, and expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme to include informal sector workers, with a target of covering 83 million Nigerians by 2030.

Nigeria’s health tech sector has also gained momentum, raising over $50 million in 2024, reinforcing its leadership in digital health innovation and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The meeting follows an AKU-led donor roundtable on financing integrated African health systems, reflecting growing momentum among regional and global partners.

Taken together, these engagements demonstrate increasing alignment among governments, academia, development partners and the private sector around accelerating African-led health systems reform.

The funding was announced during the joint inauguration of 84 climate-resilient schools and healthcare facilities in Kano and Jigawa States, under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative.

CRIBS, developed through a multi-partner collaboration including the UK Government, Federal Ministry of Health, Kano and Jigawa State Governments, UNICEF, World Bank, WHO, Crown Agents UK Lafiya Programme, Sextant Foundation, Fab Inc, and JigSaw, introduces an innovative approach to shield essential services from the impacts of climate change.

Nigeria ranks second globally in terms of climate risks to children, with millions affected annually by floods, droughts, and extreme heat. To address these threats, CRIBS has focused on renovating 39 primary healthcare centres and 45 schools, integrating climate adaptation measures to protect communities.

The inauguration ceremonies, which included site visits and ribbon-cutting events, highlighted how low-cost, scalable, and community-led solutions can reduce climate vulnerability while safeguarding education and healthcare access for children and families.

Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, said:

“The UK Government is proud to support Nigeria through this £19m commitment to CRIBS. By working with the Federal Government, state partners, and global organisations, we are demonstrating how climate-resilient infrastructure can improve access to basic services for vulnerable populations. We hope this model will be replicated across Nigeria.”

Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, added:

“This initiative shows the power of strong partnerships. By investing in climate-smart infrastructure, we are not just protecting services, we are empowering communities to safeguard their children’s future. CRIBS is a model for resilience where it matters most, at the frontline of service delivery.”

This intervention aligns with both national and state priorities in climate action, health, and education, reflecting the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria in building resilience, saving lives, and protecting learning opportunities.

What was once a life-saving resource often in short supply is now readily available, thanks to a landmark donation made in 2024: an oxygen production plant commissioned through a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving IHS Nigeria, UNICEF, and the Canadian Government, in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Health.

This week, officials from IHS Nigeria and UNICEF embarked on an impact assessment visit to the facility, located at the General Hospital, Eleme, and found something extraordinary—the plant is not only operational, it’s transforming healthcare outcomes across the region.

A Breath of Relief: Bridging Healthcare Gaps Through Public-Private Partnership

Commissioned with a production capacity of 123 oxygen cylinders and 720,000 litres of oxygen per day, the plant was built as part of a wider public-private initiative to boost access to medical oxygen in underserved communities.

“This is one of nine oxygen plants we’ve built across the country,” said Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria. “We are excited that this one is not just functioning—but also bridging health gaps beyond Rivers State. It’s helping in emergencies, it’s saving lives, and it’s a testament to what intentional partnerships can deliver.”

Oguntuga emphasized that the plant exemplifies IHS Nigeria’s broader sustainability approach, anchored on four pillars:

1. Ethics and Governance
2. Education and Economic Growth
3. Environment and Climate Change
4. People and Communities

She added that the inspection was aimed at evaluating the operational efficiency and real-world impact of the facility.

From Scarcity to Sufficiency: Oxygen Now Readily Available Across Rivers State

For Dr. Anslem Audu, Chief of UNICEF’s Port Harcourt Field Office, the visit stirred memories of darker times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a lack of oxygen turned treatable illnesses into life-threatening emergencies.

“There was a time when children with pneumonia were rushed to hospitals, and oxygen was simply not available,” he recalled. “Today, that narrative has changed. Thanks to this plant, no child in Rivers State should die due to lack of oxygen.”

He noted that the oxygen produced at the Eleme plant is now being distributed widely, supporting public and private hospitals, including the state’s two teaching hospitals.

“A visit to almost any major health facility in Port Harcourt today will reveal that they now have access to oxygen, and much of it comes from this plant,” he said.

However, Audu also urged the state government to invest further in the sustainability of the project by providing stable electricity to ensure continuous operation.

A Statewide Lifeline: Oxygen Distribution Hubs Expand Reach

According to Dr. Leechi-Okere Clarabelle, Medical Director of Eleme General Hospital, the plant has been running smoothly since its unveiling.

“We’ve set up two major oxygen storage and distribution hubs in Port Harcourt to extend our reach. These hubs make it easier for distant hospitals and clinics to collect oxygen without traveling all the way to Eleme,” she said.

She highlighted that the initiative has made a real difference across public and private healthcare facilities, marking a new era in emergency care response for the state.

A Model for Replication Across Africa

The success of the Eleme oxygen plant is not an isolated case, it is part of a nationwide model, built on collaboration, community impact, and sustainability. With eight other plants operating across different states, the partnership between IHS Nigeria, UNICEF, the Canadian Government, and local health ministries is showing what’s possible when the private sector invests in life-saving infrastructure.

As Nigeria continues to address critical gaps in healthcare access, this project stands out, not just for its engineering, but for its human impact.

It is a powerful reminder that sometimes, development starts not with a grand speech, but with something as vital and as simple, as a breath of fresh air.

[Featured Image Credit]

On May 29, 2025, torrential rains triggered flash floods across five communities: Tiffin Maza, Ungwan Hausawa, Yagbagba, Ndayeko, and Wubegi—resulting in one of Niger State’s worst humanitarian crises in recent memory.

The disaster claimed over 153 lives, left hundreds injured and displaced, and wiped out over 10,000 hectares of farmland in this critical agricultural region.

Among those most affected are more than 1,600 children and nearly 800 pregnant and lactating women now living in precarious conditions. Over 500 people are reported to be missing.

In continued support of humanitarian relief efforts, IHS Nigeria has pledged an emergency grant to support UNICEF’s rapid response in Mokwa.

This includes the construction of three solar-powered motorized boreholes, ventilated improved pit latrines, and the renovation and solarization of a damaged primary healthcare center to restore access to clean water, sanitation, and essential health services.

“This emergency support from IHS Nigeria comes at a critical time when thousands of children and families are facing enormous hardship,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

“Our longstanding partnership with IHS Nigeria has always prioritized reaching the most vulnerable communities. Together, we have made strides in strengthening primary healthcare systems, education, and child protection. Today’s renewed collaboration ensures that the children of Mokwa are not left behind.”

As the Global Cluster Lead for WASH, Nutrition, Education, and Child Protection, UNICEF has rapidly deployed integrated life-saving interventions across the affected communities.

These include the provision of clean drinking water, emergency sanitation facilities, health services, therapeutic nutrition for children, psychosocial support, and the establishment of temporary learning and child-friendly spaces.

Through this joint response, more than 30,000 displaced people and community members are expected to benefit from access to safe water, improved sanitation and better primary healthcare services, while children will regain access to education and critical child protection services.

Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, commented,

“At IHS Nigeria, we are driven by the belief that communities must not only survive disastrous incidents, but emerge stronger from them. Our partnership with UNICEF is a proven model for helping deliver sustainable impact in some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions. We have supported similar interventions across other communities impacted by natural disasters, and by working together once again in Mokwa, we are helping deliver access to water, health services, and dignity for families who need it most.”

Mr Taldar made this declaration while on a joint visit with the leadership of UNICEF and Airtel Nigeria.

The delegation, which included Dinesh Balsingh, the chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria; Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF chief of Field Office; and other senior executives from Airtel and UNICEF, engaged with school administrators, teachers, and pupils to assess the progress recorded under the Reimagine Education Programme.

This visit marks another significant step in Airtel’s long-standing collaboration with UNICEF to drive inclusive and technology-driven education, ensuring that more Nigerian children have access to quality learning resources.

Through the collaboration, Airtel has reported that over 1,200 schools have been equipped with tablets and data to connect teachers and learners to digital learning platforms.

Speaking with the media after a demonstration of NLP and digital learning devices, Mr Taldar said,

“What I saw today at St Agnes Primary School was impressive and we are encouraged by the impact made for students and teachers through our partnership with UNICEF,” adding that “our partnership with UNICEF is one of the ways we are ensuring that more children in Nigeria and beyond have access to digital learning tools that will equip them for their future. This visit reaffirms our dedication to making education more inclusive, accessible, and impactful.”

Also commenting on the company`s commitment to digital education and bridging the digital divide for Nigerian children, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, highlighted the importance of technology-driven learning, the impact of Airtel’s partnership with UNICEF, and the role of the Nigeria Learning Passport in providing students and teachers with essential digital learning tools.

“At Airtel Nigeria, we are deeply committed to empowering young minds through technology-driven education. Our visit to St. Agnes Primary School underscores our dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that more Nigerian children have access to quality learning resources. Through our partnership with UNICEF, we continue to invest in initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport, which provides students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

On her part, UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to reimagine education.

“Education is a fundamental right, and digital learning has become a key enabler in bridging educational gaps. Our partnership with Airtel Africa and Airtel Nigeria continues to provide innovative learning solutions, ensuring that every child, regardless of location or socio-economic status, has the opportunity to learn and thrive. We are excited about the ongoing implementation of the Nigeria Learning Passport and the transformation it brings to education in Nigeria,” she said.

Recall that in 2023, Airtel and UNICEF paid a similar visit to Oremeji Primary School Ajegunle Lagos, one of Airtel Nigeria’s seven adopted schools.

This visit to St. Agnes Primary School reflects a broader engagement with schools benefiting from the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) – a digital education platform developed by UNICEF in partnership with the Nigerian government and Microsoft.

The NLP is designed to provide accessible, high-quality educational content to students, teachers, and parents, supporting learning both in and outside the classroom.

Airtel’s collaboration with UNICEF aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda to support education, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.

The Nigeria Learning Passport continues to gain traction as a powerful tool in ensuring that children, including those in remote and underserved areas, have access to interactive, high-quality educational content.

This initiative is part of QNET’s end-of-year social impact activities.

Supported by QNET’s legal partner, Transblue Limited, the project is part of LFBI’s Education Enhancement Intervention for Food Insecure Students (EDUFOOD) program that addresses malnutrition and food insecurity among underserved students by providing healthy meals and essential educational resources.

A report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence rate of 32% among children under five. Furthermore, an estimated 2 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Biram Fall, QNET’s regional manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative:

“Guided by our principle – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM), we believe that education and good health for children are the cornerstones of a thriving society. Partnering with LFBI allows us to make a tangible impact on vulnerable children’s lives, reflecting our mission to empower youths and improve communities.”

Akeem Ajisafe, managing director of Transblue Limited, shared his thoughts:

“This collaboration not only addresses food insecurity but also brings joy to young hearts, allowing them to truly experience the spirit of Christmas. Together, we are fostering hope, joy, and a brighter future for all.”

Michael Sunbola, executive director of LFBI, expressed gratitude for the partnership:

“QNET’s support empowers us to reach even more children during this season of celebration, improving their health and unlocking their potential. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter future.”

The partnership underscores QNET’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Quality Education (SDG 4).

• 300 remote health care facilities across Ethiopia will be powered with solar energy, benefiting an estimated 6.7 million people
• Backed by Gavi funding, this new initiative aims to build climate-resilient health systems, while also boosting vaccine storage capacity
• The programme – which supports the Ethiopia Ministry of Health’s goal to solar power over 1,000 health care facilities and enhance maternal, infant and post-natal care in underserved areas – will be implemented by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO.

In response to the urgent demand for reliable energy in health care facilities, the Ethiopia Ministry of Health, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), UNICEF and WHO Friday officially launched the Health Facility Solar Electrification (HFSE) initiative.

This new initiative, which is part of a broader US$ 35 million programme funded by Gavi, aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase access to immunization, and broaden primary health care services.

Three hundred health care facilities have been prioritized for solar expansion across all regions in Ethiopia, focusing on facilities that are distant from the main power grid.

The deployment of solar energy will significantly improve health care outcomes for the estimated 6.7 million people living in the catchment areas of the health facilities by increasing the range of services offered at primary health care facilities, including expanded access to immunization services and availability of clean water at health facilities. It also aims to strengthen health care services by providing decentralized solar energy, contributing to climate-resilient health facilities while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.

This jointly led effort falls under the Ministry of Health’s plan to equip over 1,000 health care facilities with solar energy and will be implemented by December 2025.

“Today, we are powering health and hope across Ethiopia. With solar electrification, our health facilities will deliver reliable care, even in the most remote communities, bringing us closer to a healthier andbrighter future for all,” said H.E Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health.

“Climate change is increasing the burden of diseases in the most vulnerable communities, and access to electricity is a core determinant of a country’s ability and readiness to provide quality health services,” said Thabani Maphosa, chief country delivery officer, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “Establishing and scaling health facility solar electrification, as we are doing here today, represents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen primary health care systems, contribute to a greener planet, and drive improved health outcomes.”

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in sustainable health care and climate resilience, benefiting millions in underserved communities,” highlights Dr. Aboubacar Kampo, UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia. “By enhancing immunization for children and strengthening health services for mothers and infants, we are promoting safer deliveries and improving post-natal and infant care.”

“The connection between energy and health is clear in both homes and health care facilities in Ethiopia. Access to clean and reliable energy in health care facilities is crucial for providing quality essential services for disease prevention and treatment, particularly for mothers and children in hard-to-reach areas of the country,” highlights Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia. “Access to electricity in health care facilities can be a matter of life and death.”

Recognizing the critical role of cold chain equipment in health care delivery, the HFSE initiative will leverage Gavi’s Cold Chain Equipment Optimisation Platform (CCEOP) mechanism to deploy solar photovoltaic packages at 1,000 primary health care facilities across Ethiopia, Pakistan, Uganda and Zambia.

With a funding commitment of US$ 35 million from Gavi, the project will enhance the ability of health care facilities to power essential cold chain equipment and other vital medical devices in those countries.

Through a strategic partnership with UNICEF that began in 2019, IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Towers group, is making a significant and measurable difference to the lives of Nigerians, particularly in the crucial areas of education, healthcare, and community development.

This collaboration transcends mere business operations, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to the nation.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Schools and Students

One of the most impactful initiatives is the School-to-School Connectivity project, launched in 2022 by UNICEF.

As a collaborator in this project, IHS Nigeria is on a mission to help bridge the digital divide in education by providing internet connectivity to over 400 public secondary schools and donating more than 200 mini-tablets to schools across underserved communities.

Unlocking new learning resources is key, and through this project, students gain exposure to online educational materials, interactive learning platforms, and valuable digital tools.

This complements the Nigeria Learning Passport, a vital online and offline curriculum application currently reaching approximately 1 million users, designed by UNICEF in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.

Saving Lives: a Multi-Pronged Approach to Covid-19

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, IHS Nigeria played a vital role in supporting national response efforts. Their contributions included:

• Essential supplies: In collaboration with the European Union and APM Terminals, IHS Nigeria co-financed the acquisition and delivery of 10,000 test kits, 15 oxygen concentrators, personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccines, and other vital health supplies to support the Nigerian government through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This comprehensive approach helped address critical needs for testing, treating and protecting frontline healthcare workers.

• Expanded testing capacity: Recognizing the importance of widespread testing, IHS Nigeria further collaborated with UNICEF to supply over 130,000 test kits. This significantly increased testing capacity, facilitating the early detection and isolation of cases to help curb the spread of the virus.

“I am immensely grateful for the robust partnership between UNICEF and IHS Nigeria, which has contributed to significant results for children. Our collaborative projects, including the critical oxygen support program, comprehensive COVID-19 interventions, enhancing school connectivity, and the Child-Friendly Communities Initiative (CFCI), have all been pivotal in advancing our mission. Together, we are making substantial strides towards sustainable development and a brighter future for all” –Ms Cristian Munduate, Representative, UNICEF Nigeria. 

Strengthening Healthcare Through an Oxygen Security Project 

Nigeria faces a continued challenge in the availability of medical oxygen, and to help address this, IHS Nigeria is an active partner of UNICEF Nigeria’s Oxygen Security Project. Launched in 2022, this project is supporting the Federal Ministry of Health and has seen the construction of nine Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants across the following states: Ogun, Oyo, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, and Rivers. These plants aim to ensure a reliable supply of medical oxygen, impacting healthcare facilities’ ability to provide life-saving treatment.

Recognizing the importance of skilled personnel, the project has also trained over 1,445 frontline healthcare workers in oxygen management.

This comprehensive approach ensures not only the availability of oxygen, but also the proper knowledge and expertise to utilise it effectively, ultimately saving lives and improving healthcare outcomes for countless Nigerians.

As an example, the plants installed at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, are designed to target a population of around 1.6 million with an average weekly utilisation volume of approximately 4,000 liters.

Empowering Communities: Child-Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI)

Collaboration between IHS Nigeria and UNICEF has extended beyond schools and hospitals and into the broader community.

Between 2019 and 2022, the Child-Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) brought together local stakeholders, including community leaders, youth groups, and women’s organisations. Piloted in Lagos, Bauchi, and Cross River States, CFCI served as a model for community-driven development.

CFCI aimed to empower local communities and community leaders to own and drive the delivery of integrated child-centric social services including education, health, and nutrition. The initiative has successfully established elements of decentralised planning and resource management to address child deprivation.

Furthermore, the project used Digital Community Information Systems (DCIS) which collected real-time data on various child-related issues to guide local decision-making.

Using this data, communities were able to target resources effectively, ensuring interventions were aligned to specific, local needs.

This data-driven approach fostered greater efficiency and maximised the impact of available resources on the well-being of children.

A Global Commitment: Partnering with Giga to Map School Connectivity

Furthermore, IHS Towers has taken a global approach to bridging the digital divide in education. It is a key partner in Giga, a global initiative launched by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that aims to map and connect every school in the world to the internet by 2030. Alongside a $4.5 million investment, IHS Towers is providing vital tower data, including in respect of its Nigerian operations, to help Giga create a comprehensive map of internet connectivity. This data is crucial for identifying areas with critical gaps in infrastructure, paving the way for targeted interventions and ensuring no child is left behind in the digital age.

The IHS Nigeria and UNICEF partnership transcends individual projects, presenting a successful model for public-private collaboration.

By combining resources and expertise, they are achieving tangible results in education, healthcare, and community development.

This successful model demonstrates the power of collaboration between the private sector and international organisations.

“At IHS Nigeria, we strive to deliver long-term positive impact across our local communities. Through strategic sustainability partnerships, we continue to contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, with a strong focus on education, healthcare, and community empowerment. We take great pride in collaborating with UNICEF Nigeria and remain committed to fostering a brighter future for Nigeria” – Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria.

The presentation was held at the Olayode residence in Lagos on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

This gesture follows the pledge by Airtel on its official X handle to join other well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the young couple whose four babies had arrived as a complete surprise, having gone undetected in several prenatal scans.

Airtel’s post read: “When life gives quadruplets, we give #ovajara support! We’re adding N2m because great things come in multiples.”

Speaking on the donation, Carl Cruz, the chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria, said,

“This gesture underscores the dedication of Airtel Nigeria to enriching lives and bringing joy to the communities we serve, especially through our CSR. We understand the economic demand of raising same-age children concurrently in one family, and it is our hope that this donation will serve as a meaningful helping hand to the Olayode family, while also inspiring other individuals and organizations to offer support wherever it may be needed.”

He expressed the company’s delight in supporting the family as part of its longstanding commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and providing support to the vulnerable in the Nigerian society.

“This gesture underscores the dedication of Airtel Nigeria to enriching lives and bringing joy to the communities we serve, especially through our CSR. We understand the economic demand of raising same-age children concurrently in one family, and it is our hope that this donation will serve as a meaningful helping hand to the Olayode family, while also inspiring other individuals and organizations to offer support wherever it may be needed,” he added.

The birth of the Olayode quadruplets also encapsulates the spirit of the Airtel Ovajara campaign, which is based on the belief that life often exceeds expectations.

“As a company, we are proud to demonstrate this understanding in both our services and our actions,” Mr. Cruz remarked.

Receiving the donation from Airtel on behalf of her husband, Sodiq, and the rest of the family, Mrs. Abiodun Olayode, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Airtel Nigeria for the support.

“I would like to appreciate Airtel Nigeria for this ovajara kindness. You have stood in for us in this memorable phase of our lives, and I can boldly say that this donation will definitely go a long way in raising our children,” she said.

Airtel Ovajara is an innovative voice bundle which multiplies the value of subscriber recharges by eight.

Airtel remains consistent to empowering and uplifting individuals and families in need across the communities it operates.

The telco has demonstrated its commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians through several individual initiatives and projects under its wide-ranging CSR programs, which includes Airtel Touching Lives, Employee Volunteer Scheme, Adopt A School, and its far-reaching Reimagine Education partnership with UNICEF.

The collaboration officially kicked off on February 12, 2024, with a successful event hosted at Afe Babalola University, Ekiti State.

The event saw over 100 students in attendance who were introduced to various tech courses and workshops designed by the Zarttalent Academy to prepare them for the demands of the modern workforce.

Speaking about the collaboration, Nelson Ajulo, the chief executive officer, Zarttalent Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative to make a lasting impact on the students. “We are excited to collaborate with Nigerian universities in empowering students with essential technological skills, positioning them for success.

“Through a blend of academic and practical training, we aim to provide students with the necessary tools to excel in today’s digital landscape.

“As the demand for technological skills continues to grow, partnerships like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy”.

Through the Zarttalent Foundation, we also offer a 30% scholarship to women who want to enrol into the academy, aligning with our broader objective of training 2000 women in technology across Africa within the next five years. This initiative significantly contributes to the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) objectives’’.

According to a 2023 statement by UNICEF, 73 per cent of Nigerian youth are literate, but only seven per cent have ICT skills needed for working and living in a digital economy. However, the strategic collaboration between Zarttalent Foundation and Nigerian universities will empower the next generation of tech leaders and drive innovation in Nigeria’s education sector.

The Zarttalent Academy provides focused training in Frontend Engineering, Backend Engineering, Project Management, and Product Design.

Graduates of these programs receive globally recognised certifications, international internship opportunities, access to global mentors, international job opportunities, and dedicated career support services.

Zarttalent Foundation was established in 2021 by Zarttech, a social-driven software and technology consultancy company building uniform and strategic relationships across multiple continents.