Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, has given reasons why Airtel Africa is sponsoring the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) U-17 Africa Championship, the second edition of which is currently on-going in Lagos.

The championship, according to him, is a well-thought out vehicle designed to promote brotherhood among African nations.

Speaking on the soccer championship holding from September 16 to 22, Mr. Ogunsanya said that Airtel is is using the biggest youth tournament in the whole of Africa to connect and unite the continent.

“The very idea of this competition is quite visionary in nature and revolutionary in scope. Perhaps more than anything else, this competition underscores the imperatives of a united Africa and the values of African brotherhood. Airtel is connecting Africa to her passions and lighting the candles of brotherhood across the continent,” he said he said while speaking at a public forum connected with the ARS.

The Airtel Nigeria chief revealed that the ARS initiative was created to provide a pool of talents for the sustenance of Africa’s great football tradition.

“In setting up a competition of this magnitude, Airtel Africa is calling attention to Africa’s heritage of healthy brotherly rivalry and all the values that once made us a great as a people. ARS came into existence to establish a pool of talents for the sustenance of Africa’s great football tradition,” he stated.

The competition is witnessing action at four venues, namely, Agege Township Stadium, Onikan Stadium and NIS Sports Field and Legacy Pitch (both inside the National Stadium, Surulere).

•Photo shows Airtel Nigeria CEO Ogunsanya discussing with Kola Balogun and Nike Animashaun, two of the dignitaries that graced the ARS opening ceremony on Monday at Agege Township Stadium, Lagos.