In pursuit of its vision to become the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians, leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has made a bold intervention in the advancement of primary education in Cross River State with the adoption and commissioning of Presbyterian Primary School 2, Ediba in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The commissioning ceremony of a block of eight classrooms and staff offices at the Presbyterian Primary School 2, took place on Tuesday at the school premises.
This is coming barely two months after a similar project was commissioned in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, with Olufunso Amosun, wife of the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, unveiling the commissioning plaque with support from state government officials, education authorities and the traditional institutions.
The Presbyterian Primary School 2 was adopted last year and reconstructed to wear a modern look while pupils and teachers of the school were provided a conducive learning environment equipped with modern facilities and teaching aids.
Airtel also provided branded school bags and furniture for the pupils and members of staff.
Speaking during the event, Airtel’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Segun Ogunsanya, who was represented by the company’s Regional Operations Director, South Region, Godfrey Efeurhobo, said the telecoms operator is committed to its strategic partnerships with governments and organizations to uplift the standard of primary education in the country.
Ogunsanya said: “We are delighted to partner with the government and people of Cross River State in their quest to chart a new course for the development of education in Cross River State. “Without a doubt, quality education offers children the best opportunity in life to realise their dreams and become the leaders of tomorrow.
“A great environment is also critical to the development of a sound mind.
“It is, therefore, in recognition of the importance of education and as part our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that we have committed to the adoption of public primary schools across Nigeria.”
Commissioner for Education, Cross River State, Prof. Offiong E Offiong, in his remarks, commended Airtel for partnering with the state in improving the standard of quality education.
Offiong said: “We remain very grateful to Airtel and I want to urge the entire community of Ediba to ensure that adequate security is provided to the school for maximum utilization.”
Also speaking at the event, the Head Teacher, Presbyterian Primary School 2, Deaconess Maria Riman, expressed appreciation to the management and staff of Airtel Nigeria.
Riman said: “Today, we are joyous that the work, which started in early August 2012, has been completed and is being celebrated.
“In addition to the renovation and transformation of the school premises, Airtel also provided benches, tables and chairs.
“It is, therefore, not surprising that today is one of the happiest days for our school.”
The event was attended by top local chiefs, including the Ovia Usa of Ediba, Ovia G.B Egbe; Ovia Ubi William of Ediba West; and representative of Abi Local Council Chairman, Comrade Ibi Eko Edu.
Airtel staff at the event included Zonal Business Manager, South East, Onyekwucha Ikezu; Regional Marketing Manager, South Region, Airtel Nigeria, Dipo Jolaosho; and CSR Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Chinda Manjor
The adopted school is part of Airtel’s umbrella CSR programme, which focuses on the education of underprivileged children in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of achieving universal primary education.
It also aims at uplifting the standard of primary education across Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the telecoms operator, upon commencement of operations in Nigeria, flagged off the Adopt-A-School programme with the multi-million naira ultra-modern blocks of classrooms, offices and lavatory facilities at Oremeji Primary School, Ajegunle in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State.
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