In a bid to promote wellness, strengthen community ties and bring its leadership closer to the consumers, Smile Communications held a five-day health initiative tagged “Walk for Life,” which ended on December 19.
During the walk, which commenced daily from Smile’s Head Office in Ikoyi and extended toward key mainland communities over the course of the week, the company’s senior executives walked through selected routes across Lagos, engaging directly with residents and small businesses along the way.
Leading the initiative was Smile’s Chief Executive Officer, Abhulime Ehiagwina, alongside the Chief Technical Officer, Akin Alayoku, and the Chief Commercial Officer, Muhammad Shahzad.
Speaking of the initiative, Ehiagwina noted that Walk for Life reflects Smile’s broader commitment to fostering wellbeing both inside and outside the workplace.
“This initiative goes beyond physical activity – it is about connecting with the communities we serve, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and demonstrating that leadership is at its best when it steps forward with people, not just for them,” he said.
As part of the walk, Smile executives shared friendly, conversational information about the company’s newly improved Smile MINI, MIDI, JUMBO, MAXI and ANNUAL plans – designed to offer Nigerians more data at lower prices. It also afforded residents and small business owners the opportunity to engage the team directly, ask questions, take photos, and even make instant purchases as desired.
According to the Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications, Olagoke Olaleye, the initiative aligned with the brand’s vision of deeper consumer understanding and engagement. He explained that “for over a year, we have committed ourselves to listening to Nigerians – understanding how they work, stream, learn and stay connected.
“Walk for Life’ is an extension of that commitment. It is an opportunity to meet consumers on their own turf and sensitise them to the new, more valuable Smile plans in the most human and genuine way possible.”
Beyond leadership visibility and consumer engagement, ‘Walk for Life’ was structured to also promote employee wellness and organisational culture. Speaking on this internal dimension of the programme, the Head of Talent at Smile Communications, Linda Olumide, noted that “Healthy teams build healthy companies.”
Throughout the five-day activity, the Smile team stopped at various points to interact with traders, commuters, corporate workers, artisans and young people who depend on internet connectivity for daily productivity.
By using a community-focused approach, Smile aims to create meaningful moments of connection while raising awareness of the newly enhanced data plans launched during the Christmas season as a year-end gift to its customers.
‘Walk for Life’ represents a refreshing blend of leadership visibility, wellness promotion and consumer education – reinforcing Smile’s belief that strong brands are built not only through technology, but through active human presence.
