Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State is pleased with the impact of the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) activities of Airtel on the people of the state, describing the activities as catalyst towards the socio-economic development of the state.

Speaking recently during a courtesy visit by the Airtel team led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, the governor noted that the telecoms company, through its multi-faceted CSR initiatives, has brought positive development in many states across the country, including his state.

The Governor particularly praised Airtel for its Adopt-A-School project, Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) football competition and the Airtel Touching Lives programme, noting that these social intervention platforms of the telecoms company has created huge empowerment opportunities which have positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

According to him, "We are highly delighted about Airtel's role in transforming society. We are happy to receive you today and we commend Airtel for its robust CSR initiatives. I am most especially pleased about the Airtel Touching Lives programme which cuts across youth and women empowerment, sports and education and truly translates to positive impact on our society."

"Kwara State is poised to work with Airtel to make its CSR projects very successful. We are going to ensure that the partnership is sustained as I assure you that the state is very receptive and willing to receive the support," he added.

The Governor also commended the leadership of Airtel Nigeria, saying it is a sign that all hope is not lost in Nigeria.

Responding, Ogunsanya commended the Governor for its pragmatic strides which, he said, have led to rapid economic, social and infrastructural development in Kwara State.

He said: "The enabling business environment which your administration has put in place in the state is noteworthy. Kwara State, as a host to Airtel Nigeria, is one of our emerging territories and we are pleased with the results and progress from this state. At Airtel, we feel very happy to be part of the progress.

"On our own part, we will ensure we stay true to our corporate philosophy and vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians."

The Airtel visiting team included Head of Public Relations, Mr. Adefemi Adeniran; Regional Operations Director (ROD), West, Segun Macaulay and Zonal Business Manager, West, Ekundayo Fatoki.

While highlighting some of the telecom operating company's CSR initiatives, Ogunsanya shed more light on the award-winning Adopt-a-School initiative, a platform through which Airtel provides ultra-modern classroom blocks with standard facilities including borehole for water supply, books and uniforms for the kids.

According to him, the programme also offers training for the teachers, noting that some of the schools currently benefitting from the initiative include St. John's Primary School, Oke-Agbo, Ogun State; Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Abi Local Government Area, Cross Rivers State and Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo State.

Ogunsanya also used the occasion to announce Airtel's recent adoption of Local Government Education Area Primary School 1, Iyeru Okin, Offa, Kwara State, which he said renovation and construction work would commence on soon.