Airtel backs RLG/Osun ICT Youth Empoowerment Initiative

Airtel Nigeria has commended the Osun State Government for its ICT-driven initiative which has not only enhanced skill acquisition amongst youths but also led to job creation.

Speaking at the launch of new product brands by RLG, one of Africa's Technology powerhouses, Airtel Nigeria's MD/CEO, Segun Ogunsanya noted that the public-private initiative between RLG and the State of Osun was worthy of emulation as it is an example that good things can come out of Africa.

Mr. Ogunsanya who noted that Airtel Nigeria has begun partnering with RLG by placing orders for the phone brand made at the RLG/Adelawo Technology City because it has found that the products meet the company's standards.

He said that Airtel was happy to support more local production as most of the phones imported into Nigeria means transfer of Labour to other countries and also capital flight.

He revealed that his company had no choice but to support products manufactured locally since this has a tendency to create more jobs and add value to the economy.

In his words "If you marry technology with the right price,you create a vibrant market and with the knowledge you provide, you lift more people out of poverty. We will continue to partner RLG and Osun.

In his own speech, Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the success story of the RLG/Adulawo Technogy City puts to shame cynics who thought the project was an election gimmick. 

Describing the multi-million dollar initiative as a historic monument to the power of vision, the Governor revealed that the Technology City had in the last one years directly employed 150 persons and trained 1,500 through the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme on Technology (OYESTECH).

According to him "this plant, a public-private partnership with RLG Global is the biggest in Africa and the first of its kind in Nigeria, given the potential of the electronics gadgets in Nigeria, from mobile phones, LCD TVs, tablets etc, the potentials are very great"

He used the opportunity to thank Airtel for patronizing products from the Technology City, urging other telecommunications outfits to join the train by supporting these locally-produced brands

In his welcome address earlier, RLG's Regional Director, West Africa, Mr. Tosin Ilesanmi who represented the Group Chairman of RLG, Mr. Roland Agambire, the RLG/Adulawo Technology City has recorded a huge milestone with the deal it has struck with Airtel. He said with Airtel, the City will be seen as a good base for infusing local content into the Nigeria technological space and an indication that the continent can compete favorably and meet international standards.

He said that it was heart-wsrming that the initiative had achieved this feat in just one year and was optimistic that the future in terms of job creation and youth Empowerment was great for this RLG Model.

In the course of the event, Mr.Alex Lu, CEO, RLG Global introduced some new products. They include: Educational laptop, EL3(which operates on both Android and Windows platforms), the Smart Projector, Uhuru Accu phone and the high-end  Uhuru Titan.

Mr. Lu stated that the products are an indication of the direction of the company, adding that RLG was in Nigeria to empower youths and develop the education sector with a he view of boosting the economy.