CITIZENS COMPASS–– The Federal Government’s initiative to bring digital access to over 7,000 remote Nigerian communities officially began recently with a pilot project launched in Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2 community, Gwagwalada, near Abuja.
The project, a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Globacom, and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, will provide voice and data services, digital healthcare, and remote learning to over 12,000 residents.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who commissioned the project, praised Globacom and Huawei for their role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s goal of addressing the significant connectivity that has eluded over 20 million Nigerians.
He highlighted the severe impact of this digital divide, noting that a lack of network access in many communities hinders the provision of financial services, medical care, and education, and also complicates governance.
“Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity,” Dr. Tijani stated, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to leveraging innovation to ensure every Nigerian can thrive in the digital age, regardless of their location.
Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, who spoke on the project said the company worked with the Ministry and Huawei to bring up the site by providing the Microwave backhaul link and access to Globacom’s full core network resources and also manage the operation of the site to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services for the community.
“The Smart Education facility allows for young students within the community to receive education remotely, with the teachers being in Abuja or any other part of the world, while Healthcare delivery has been revolutionised through connected medical equipment that enables remote consultations between patients in Ibwa and doctors and specialists in urban-locations”, Mr Roy explained. The site and all the equipment are powered by solar thereby ensuring clean environment and uninterrupted power supply.
During the inauguration, the project’s effectiveness was clearly demonstrated as the leader of the Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 Community, Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, had a live medical consultation with a doctor in Abuja. Simultaneously, students at the local school were observed receiving an online video lesson from a teacher in Lagos, utilizing equipment supplied by Huawei.
Mr. Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s Head of Division, North West, reinforced the company’s long-standing commitment to democratizing communication. “Since 2003, we have remained at the forefront of efforts to lower the barriers to connectivity—making telephony, internet, and data services more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. Today’s launch reinforces that commitment,” he stated, expressing particular excitement about the initiative’s impact on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment in Ibwa 2 community.
Mr. Terrens Wu, Managing Director of Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, expressed pride in his company’s participation in bringing connectivity, learning, and healthcare to rural communities through digital technology. Huawei also donated 120 affordable smartphones to the community to further enhance access to telephony.
