Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable environmental management and recycling, repurposing and responsible disposal of e-waste, also known as electronic waste.
The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Surendran Chemmenkotil, while commenting on the company’s commemoration of the 2022 World Environment Day, said: “Airtel Nigeria’s ambition is to address and minimize the impact of its operations on the environment as this is critical for the world, we live in.”
He noted that the firm is committed to raising awareness about climate/environmental stewardship amongst employees and to working together as a team towards the delivery of its sustainability goals.
“I have asked all my colleagues to bring to the office any electronic items from their homes that are old and no longer of any use to them – so that Airtel can then prove its position as a technology company that consistently explores sustainable ways of reusing, repurposing, recycling, and disposing of e-waste from our network and offices.
“We are committed to our overarching Airtel Africa Sustainability strategy, and we will continue to implement these plans relentlessly at the local level,” he said.
In response to the CEO’s call, employees of the telco came to the office on Monday, June 6, with electronic wastes, which they deposited at designated areas across offices nationwide. The e-waste will be collected by a credible e-waste partner for the purpose of recycling, repurposing, and responsible disposal.
As part of the awareness programme, an awareness session was held at the company’s HQ in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday, with employees in regional offices connecting virtually.
During the session, employees were urged to contribute in their respective individual capacities to the advancement of sustainable environmental management, reduction of environmental footprint in respect of call to action on climate change initiatives and reduce activities that have a negative impact on health and the environment.
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 and is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment. First held in 1973, it has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issues such as marine pollution, human overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption, and wildlife crime.
