Employees of
leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, have come to the aid of Sadiq Usman,
a four year old boy, whose eyes were removed by suspected ‘ritualists’ in
Zaria, Kaduna State, earlier this year.
A
delegation of Airtel employees led by the Regional Operations Director, North
Region, Wole Abu, visited Sadiq Usman on Thursday, December 1, 2016 in his home
town in Zaria, Kaduna and presented him with a cheque of N400, 000 (Four
Hundred Thousand Naira), sophisticated Perkins Brailler, Braille Coacher,
Abacus, typewriter, tailors Frame and a computer laptop.
Airtel
employees made the donations at the instance of its Employee Volunteer Scheme,
a special platform created for the company’s staff to volunteer their time,
skills and resources to uplift the underprivileged as well as support social
causes that will create positive impact in the society.
With
the donations, little Sadiq, a pupil at Prof. Ango Abdullahi International
School, Zaria, is further empowered to learn to read and write, enjoy all the
opportunities a good education provides and lead a normal life.
Commenting
on Airtel’s employees’ support, Mr. Emeka Oparah, the Company’s director of
Corporate Communications & CSR, said: “It is tragic and heart-breaking to
see an innocent, vulnerable child suffer and go through such excruciating
pains.
“My
colleagues were deeply moved by Sadiq’s situation and generously supported the
call to provide relief. Our support will not just end here, Sadiq is our adopted
son and he will continue to be our priority and in our prayers
“I
must thank my colleagues for their willingness to helping create a positive
impact across the communities where we operate. Indeed, the Airtel Employees
Volunteer Scheme (EVS) is committed to providing relief for the
underprivileged, sick, physically disabled and hard to reach.”
Mr.
Oparah also commended the authorities of Prof. Ango Abdullahi International
School for offering Sadiq’s older brother and guide scholarship to be able to provide
physical support to his disabled kid brother, adding that by the time the
government of Kaduna State redeems its pledge of scholarship for Sadiq, his
educational future and the opportunity to live and learn would be further
guaranteed.
Sadiq’s
family expressed their gratitude to employees of Airtel and other well-meaning
individuals and organizations for coming to the aid of their son and making it
possible for him to live a happy life despite the challenges.
Sadiq’s
poignant story made headlines around the world after he was kidnapped and had
his eyes forcefully removed by still unidentified assailants.
The
unfortunate incident occurred in Bula area of Jushi in the outskirts of Zaria,
Kaduna State, where little Sadiq lives with his parents. He was later treated
at the ABU Teaching Hospital.
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