Tinubu’s Push To Expand Connectivity Reflects His Drive To Serve – Deputy Speaker

Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu said President Bola Tinubu’s push to expand connectivity across Nigeria reflects his drive to serve the people better.

‎Kalu stated this at the official launch of the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP) tower, tagged: “Connecting the unconnected,” in Bende, headquarters of Bende local government area of Abia State.

‎Yhe deputy speaker said, “President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding connectivity reflects a clear understanding that technology must serve people, including those in our rural communities like Bende.

‎”The occasion represents the possibility of a clearer conversation, a successful banking transaction, a lesson assessed online, a medical consultation, and an emergency call that gets through when it matters most, he said.

‎He added that “the launch must be understood as part of an ongoing effort. There are still many communities waiting to be connected.”

‎He urged such communities to be patient, noting that,”Before December, the end of this year, we are going to have multiple powers across Bende federal constituency.

‎”It’s going to be around the entire federal constituency. We have identified 16 locations requiring connectivity intervention. I know they may not do all of them at once.

‎”I urge the ministry and its partners to work with my office and our community leaders to validate this location, assess the coverage gaps and establish a clear program for addressing them.”

‎In his remarks, the minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said through the NUCAP, the ministry is delivering 3,700 such towers across the county.

“But today, we’re commissioning the first of these sites here in Bende. And more of it will come in so many parts of Nigeria.

‎”And before Christmas, let me announce, every community in Bende will be connected. Nobody will spend Christmas without telecommunication service in this area,” he stated.

‎Tijani, who encouraged the people “to please help us to look after this tower” noted that”It is not just a metal. It is a connection to opportunity.

‎”Report faults or damage to the operators so that they can continue to ensure that we serve each member of this community,” he added.

‎Delivering a goodwill message, the chief commercial officer of IHS Nigeria, Akeem Adeshina, underscored the organisation’s believe that connectivity is much more than infrastructure.

‎He said, “It is an enabler of opportunity. It connects people to information, education, commerce, public services and, increasingly, to the digital economy.

‎”We therefore commend the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Universal Service Provision Fund for their commitment to extending digital services to underserved communities.

‎”We thank you for your trust in inviting us to be a part of this. We also acknowledge the support and leadership of all stakeholders whose collaboration has helped us reach this important milestone.”

‎In an address of welcome earlier, the director general of Benjamin Kalu Campaign Organisation, Emmanuel Trump Eke, described the event as the end of network challenges in the community and beyond.

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