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