In furtherance of its corporate social responsibility, leading telecommunications network, Etisalat Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the development of qualitative educational development and equipping students with technical skills and knowledge for nation building. This was demonstrated during a Career Counseling session that the company organized for secondary school students in the Lagos State District 4 recently.
The initiative which was put together in partnership with Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN) held at the Knot Centre, Yaba, Lagos. In attendance were students from Aiyetoro Senior Grammar School, Ebute Metta; Obele Community Junior and Senior High School, Obele Odan, Surulere; State Senior and Junior Grammar School, Eric More, Surulere; Eric Moore Junior and Senior High school, Eric Moore, Surulere; Eletu Odibo Senior High School, Lagos Island and Herbert Macaulay Junior High School, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Speaking at the occasion, Director, Legal Services, Etisalat Nigeria, Adeolu Idowu, said the initiative is one of the company’s internal CSR project driven by its commitment to educational development in Nigeria. “Etisalat career counseling is our way of providing guidance on future career paths to students in secondary schools, while demonstrating our brand values of caring, optimism and simplicity to Nigerian youths. This programme provides members of staff of Etisalat the opportunity to fulfill their desire of imparting knowledge and skills towards positive growth of the society,” she said.
“At Etisalat Nigeria, we believe that education is the bedrock of development. It is a prerequisite for development of the economy, in addition to access to food and health care. We have various CSR programmes that are geared towards promoting the education sector. These include the ‘Adopt-A-School’ initiative, Career Counseling Scheme, Etisalat Teacher Training Programme, Etisalat Merit Awards, as well as the Etisalat CSR Centre in partnership with the Lagos Business School,” She explained.
Adeolu also acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), an NGO founded by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, for continuous partnership on the scheme.
In his remarks, Director of Special Duties, Education District 4, Lagos State, Mr. Olorunda Ademolacommended Etisalat for the scheme which he said provides unique opportunities for youths to learn and also helps to build the nation’s education sector.
“I am impressed by the CSR programme of Etisalat. Etisalat is not just supporting schools; they are also helping to build our education sector in general,” he said.
The highpoint of the event was the career counseling presentations by employees of the telecommunications company. The presenters, drawn from different professional callings took turns to enlighten the students on job descriptions as well as qualifications required for the various professions. The presenters also explained the various opportunities that are open to students in various fields.
After the highly stimulating and educative discussions, students and guests were entertained with musical performances by Nigerian Hip Hop artistes May D and Dammy Kraine.
(L-R): Senior Project Officer, Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), Mrs. Tonne Saheed; winner of Senior School Debate Competition, Uzordinma Rita, of Eric Moore Senior High School; Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 4, Lagos State, Otunba Obajinmi and Director, Legal Services, Etisalat Nigeria, Mrs. Adeolu Idowu, at the Etisalat Career Counselling Session, held at Knot Centre, Yaba, Lagos, on Thursday, 31st October, 2013.