Hope, passion as Airtel Touching Lives 2 enters second episode

Inspiring stories of hope, courage and passion continue as Airtel Touching Lives, a continental television show focused on uplifting the underprivileged in the society, enters episode 2.

In the second episode, viewers will see how the telco employed innovative means to help several women and children in a community in Osun State.

The Episode 2 also shows how the telco gave lifeline to a man who battled an unknown, debilitating disease for several years.

In the first episode of the revolutionary television show, which aired last week, Airtel fulfilled its promise to Season 1 beneficiary, Mr. Essien Obong, a mathematician/software writer who became blind after an armed robbery attack.

The telco came to his aid by providing him with a customized laptop, bespoke braille machine and other computer software to support him.

Also in episode 1, the telco assisted a foundation known as ‘Centre for Citizens with Disabilities,’ founded by David Anyaele, a social support activist, whose hands were amputated by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in 1999 while on a business trip to Sierra Leone during the Civil War. With the aid of prosthesis and the support of family and friends, he recovered quickly to only carry on the burden of life and living, but also to canvass for the support of the less privileged. He brought quite a few in the audience to tears with his moving story, but expressed utmost appreciation to God for sparing his life and to Airtel Nigeria, for donating laptops, printers, desks, photocopiers and other office equipment to enable him do his work of mercy and faith.

Through the Touching Lives platform, Airtel has been promoting the spirit of giving, self-sacrifice and love among Nigerians.

The Season 2 of the programme was premiered recently in Abuja with prominent individuals, government functionaries, NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, called on Nigerians, including corporate organisations, government and NGOs, to join efforts in humanitarian causes to support the less privileged.

He said: “If we all support just one programme in our immediate communities, it will make a huge difference in making our country a better place for all. Airtel, we believe that to be a great company, we must first and foremost be a good company; and we are very much committed to earning our social license – the love and acceptance of the various communities and people we serve.”

Airtel Touching Lives airs on Africa Magic Channel 151 on Sunday, by 7.30-8.00pm. Repeat shows are televised on Africa Magic Family 154 on Saturdays 8pm to 8.30pm; Africa Magic Urban on Thursdays 7.30pm to 8.00pm; AIT on Sundays by 6.30pm to 7pm; NTA on Wednesdays by 8.30pm to 9.00pm and Arewa 24 TV on Sundays by 7.00pm to 7.30pm.