To promote Sustainability and improve educational opportunities, Airtel Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the nation. During a recent media roundtable held in Lagos, Sam Adeoye, who is the Head of Public Relations at Airtel Nigeria, stressed the organisation’s continuous initiatives aimed at fostering beneficial environmental and social advancements. He emphasised that Airtel’s commitment to sustainability is in harmony with the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to create a meaningful and enduring effect on Nigeria’s progress.
At the event, Adeoye detailed how Airtel’s commitment to sustainability revolves around essential elements like energy transformation, minimising the organisation’s carbon emissions, and promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He recognised that Africa, especially Nigeria, encounters distinct obstacles because of its reliance on oil and gas, which complicates the path to sustainable practices. However, Airtel remains committed to finding solutions that not only contribute to the environment but also support the communities they serve. Airtel’s collaboration with UNICEF stands out as a significant sustainability initiative aimed at enhancing educational access in Nigeria.
Several schools have been supported with educational resources
Initially backing 900 public schools, this effort has expanded to nearly 1,280 institutions, with intentions to include another 300 schools by the close of the fiscal year. This collaboration, arranged by the Federal Ministry of Education, grants complimentary access to vital educational resources such as the Nigerian Learning Platform and Global Africa. What stands out about this project is that both students and educators can utilise these resources without incurring any data fees, thereby eliminating a significant obstacle to Education in marginalised communities.
Adeoye highlighted that Airtel plans to engage one million children throughout Africa in the next five years, particularly emphasising Nigeria, where their target is to assist two million learners. This initiative is regarded as a major advancement in enhancing educational opportunities and standards for pupils nationwide. Airtel Nigeria is also focusing on sustainability alongside its educational programs. Ismail Adeshina, the Marketing Director, discussed the company’s strategies to diminish reliance on diesel generators. Currently, Airtel uses about 22 million litres of diesel per month at 15,000 locations throughout Nigeria.
Environmental sustainability is an essential part of the company.
This high level of consumption not only drives up operational expenses to unreasonable amounts but also greatly amplifies the organisation’s carbon emissions. In response to this issue, Airtel is moving its operational locations to use grid Electricity and is incorporating Solar Energy systems. This change will lower operational costs and lessen harmful emissions, which aligns with Airtel’s extensive goals for environmental sustainability. Adeshina highlighted that for Airtel, sustainability is not merely a temporary initiative; it is deeply part of the company’s values and culture. The organisation strives to integrate sustainability into daily living for its workforce and the communities it supports.
Harmanpreet Singh Dhillon, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the company, emphasised Airtel’s dedication to providing exceptional Technology and high-quality service to its clients. He mentioned that they consistently push innovation’s boundaries to stay leading in Nigeria’s technological landscape. Dhillon expressed confidence in cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service, noting that the firm is at the forefront of implementing cloud-native solutions and improving latency for its clientele. Its technological advancements and dedication to education and sustainability have established the company as a frontrunner in corporate accountability within Nigeria.
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It consistently raises the bar for other enterprises both nationally and throughout Africa. They exemplify how companies can play a pivotal role in fostering national growth by prioritising education, environmental stewardship, and technological advancement. Integrating its sustainability objectives into every aspect of its operations, it is also committed to effecting beneficial and enduring transformations within the communities it impacts. The current projects undertaken by the company showcase its dedication to enhancing educational standards and Eco-friendly practices while highlighting its aspirations for sustainable growth in Nigeria.