By Dipo Olowookere
Quality phones bundled with SIMs and airtime were handed over to the second batch of returnees from South Africa on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 by a leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria.
The Airtel team was at the airport on Wednesday to welcome the second batch of returnees as well as perform the customary SIM card registration exercise in fulfilment of guidelines of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on owning a phone line.
Commenting on the development, Airtel explained that the donation was a measure to assist the returnees settle down as well as help them make instant connection with their loved ones, family members and friends across the country.
The MD/CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, described the donation as “a token of our affection, love and support for our fellow countrymen who are just coming out of a difficult situation.”
According to him, “It is our hope that this gesture will help them reconnect with their family and friends and settle down to life at home.”
He further said, “Airtel is committed to supporting laudable causes that will inspire and uplift more Nigerians. We are pleased to identify with the returnees and to help make them feel at home after what they have passed through.”
On her part, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended Airtel for extending a helping hand to the returnees, urging other corporate organizations to emulate the telco in helping the returnees settle down to life in their home country.
She said, “Airtel has always taken proactive steps to help returnees. When we had returnees from Libya, Airtel was on hand to offer support; and now, they are offering similar support to the South African returnees.”
“Aside these, they are also partnering with the Commission to further help Nigerians in the Diaspora. I commend Airtel for taking these fine steps,” the former TV girl said.
Commending the telco firm, one of the returnees, Mr Olasukanmi Obadina, stated that, “Airtel’s action is really thoughtful considering all that we have been through. I am really encouraged by the love and support Airtel has extended to me and other returnees.”
