2Baba and Patoranking, Airtel Ambassadors with one of the family beneficiaries

Funsho Arogundade
Well-meaning Nigerians have commended telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, for impacting on the lives of needy individuals, families and communities through their charity initiatives known as Airtel Touching Lives.

Reviewing the 13-episode weekly TV programme of the season 2, which finally came to conclusion recently, the revolutionary CSR programme has generated positive comments from viewers across the country. Episode 13 of the series, which aired recently was a recap of the inspiring stories of hope and courage in season 2.

Airtel Nigeria, through the initiatives has given help to distressed communities and individuals in Nigeria.

Some viewers who followed the programme lauded the company and also spoke on the impact of the initiative.

Benson-Aguiyi

Samuel Chiji, 28, a staff of a Nursing School in Ogun State said: “I can only commend the company for its commitment to Nigerians. This is being done without thinking whether the beneficiaries are on the network or not. The company has really tried to make impact in the lives of needy people. I remember quite a number of the stories, but the one that touched me deeply was the episode about kids in orphanage home.”

Olaide Idowu, an Oshodi, Lagos resident and who works in the healthcare sector described the telco as an instrument in God’s hand. “The show revealed the high number of people in poverty and the level of suffering in Nigeria. Airtel has been able to give relief to some of these people. I commend the company,” he said.

In the 11 episode, Airtel helped Benson Aguiyi, a family man with five children struggling to feed his family while battling diabetes and facing eviction from his rented house. His sickness made him unable to work while his wife managed a petty trade that could hardly put food on the table. His medical consultation was funded and a catering business was established for his wife.

Silas-Ekong

In Episode 12, Airtel also gave support to Mr. Ekong Silas who was confronted with visual impediment and unable to cater for his family.

Airtel Touching Lives is an inspiring corporate social responsibility initiative that seeks to offer practical relief, succour, hope, opportunities and credible platforms to liberate and empower the underprivileged, disadvantaged and hard to reach persons in the society. The Season 2 was launched in early January. The 13-episode programme aired on terrestrial and digital TV stations across Nigeria.