Airtel Africa, a leading telecommunications service provider with operations in 20 countries across Africa, has unveiled Yaya Toure as the new African face for its new “ It’s Now” continental campaign.

In his statement at the launch of the new campaign past Monday at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown, the Managing Director (MD) of Airtel Sierra Leone Limited, Sudipto Chowdhury explained that the campaign seeks to nurture and grow talents in Africa through various consumer touch points such as sports, lifestyle and music.

He said the program will also provide customers with access to connectivity and technological solutions that will enable them explore opportunities around them.

Director Chowdhury maintained that the “It’s Now” campaign reiterates the company’s commitment to support the youth in Africa as well as drive economic growth by unlocking people’s potential.

He expressed delight at signing the pact with the consecutive four-times Africa Player of the Year, Yaya Toure who he said is respected and is an inspiration to everyone in Africa.

The Airtel boss also named the company’s three Local Brand Ambassadors in different spheres of life. These include for Football Mohamed Kallon, Movie Zainab Sheriff and Emerson Bockarie for Music. All but Mohamed Kallon was present at the ceremony.

In the area of corporate social responsibilty, the Airtel MD explained about the scholarship scheme put in place by his company for journalists which include annual scholarship for three to study abroad estimated at half a million dollars and also 15 scholarships for school going children from journalist parents in Sierra leone.

“There will also be annual journalist, movie and music awards by Airtel,” he said and furthered that the company will take care of 50 Ebola Orphans and also 50 Ebola Widows through out the year.

In her speech, the First Lady, Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma lauded Airtel for the tremendous support during the Ebola outbreak noting that the company used tecnology to make them audible. “I’m here to support you and also here to ensure that you use better service” she said whilst admonishing the youth to support the company.

The vote of thanks was moved by Airtel Marketing Manager, Patrick Robin-Coker.