TheCable

Airtel Nigeria says it will commit N1.9 billion towards the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria.

The third-largest telecommunications company in the country said the donation would be disbursed for multiple projects.

Giving a breakdown, the company said N200 million would go towards the provision of an isolation centre or any required medical facility agreed with the appropriate health authority in the country and another N120 million to procure N95 respirator masks for health workers.

It also said customers would be offered free short message services (SMS) worth N1 billion as well as free data worth about N500 million to access educational and health sites.

The sites include those of the ministry of health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on COVID-19.

Another N100 million, it said, would be used to provide toll-free lines and broadband services for the NCDC, port health services and the 36 States, including the federal capital territory (FCT).

“Our employees are not left out. They have voluntarily contributed N20 million to be donated to Lagos state government during the week for provision of food items to needy families during this crisis,” the company said.

Commenting on the donations, Segun Ogunsanya, Airtel Nigeria CEO, said: “As a key stakeholder in Nigeria, we are committed to supporting the government at every level in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts and support as we leverage our technology and network to bring relief and succour to Nigerians at this trying time. We have an obligation to support our communities in fighting this virus and I have no doubt in my mind that we will succeed.”

The company also said it has partnered with some e-learning platforms to offer data-free access to their sites.

The platforms listed were Oyo state government’s e-learning portal and services, ULesson, Myschool.ng, PASS.NG, and Screenclass.