Ogunsanya said that since the launch of the initiative three years ago, Airtel had achieved remarkable successes by restoring hope of despaired individuals and families.
“I feel very proud today as this initiative is one of my key legacies, and it feels really special to know that so many lives have been positively impacted on and transformed.
“During the period, 10 NGOs of up to 190 people were also directly touched and 15 communities of 150 people directly impacted on.
“Nine communities of over 2,500 people each were directly impacted on.
“The initiative has saved many from the throes of death and empowered many underprivileged Nigerians,” Ogunsanya said.
He said that the highpoint of the past three seasons was reaching out to the Aina Family which lost four children to inferno.
According to him, the family members also lost their residence.
“However, Airtel intervened and, earlier this year, we handed to the family an ultramodern two-bedroom apartment.’’
He also said that Airtel took responsibility for the payment of all their outstanding bills in hospitals.
“Imagine you have to sleep under a bridge or find shelter at night in a bus stop. This is the life that many street children in Lagos experience every day.
“For Azeez Rotimi, an orphan, his life was this reality. At 14 years of age, his world was very different.
“Through rehabilitation and loving care, he has been given a second chance with a scholarship for secondary school and university to the tune of N1 million through the Airtel Touching Lives initiative.
“With the kick-off of the 4th season, many more lives will be touched.
The managing director called on Nigerians to nominate causes and persons who required help, as the company commenced the fourth edition of its CSR initiative.
“The process is simple; once a person nominates an individual or cause, Airtel’s team will review and assess the situation and determine if a follow-up visit will be required.
“You can nominate individuals or projects in your communities by dialing 367 or by sending an SMS to the shortcode, 367.
“ Also, a mail can be sent to touchinglives@ng.airtel.com Together, we all can make our society a better place, if we join hands and collaborate to uplift the downtrodden around us.
“We will like to restate our commitment to helping the less privileged.
“Governments and NGOs cannot do it all; we have a responsibility to contribute our quota in making Nigeria a better place,” he said.
