The initiative, backed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy along with partners such as Globacom and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, aims to offer over 12,000 inhabitants within the area access to digital health services, unrestricted public Wi-Fi, 2G/3G/4G connectivity, and online education opportunities.
Dr. Bosun Tijani
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy praised Globacom and Huawei for backing President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle the connectivity issue impacting more than 20 million Nigerians who lack basic telecom services.
If you take out your phone in numerous communities, there is often no signal whatsoever. This has significant repercussions for the nation since individuals are unable to utilize financial services, healthcare, or educational resources,” the minister pointed out, further noting that this situation also creates governance issues, as these isolated regions become challenging to manage effectively.
“Your place of residence shouldn’t dictate your ability to seize opportunities. We’re leveraging innovation to guarantee that each Nigerians, irrespective of where they live, can flourish in this digital era,” the Minister emphasized.
The Group Chief Technical Director of Globacom,
Mr. Sanjib Roy
The representative involved in the project mentioned that their firm collaborated closely with both the Ministry and Huawei to establish the site. They provided the essential microwave backhaul connection as well as complete access to Globacom’s comprehensive core network facilities. Additionally, they oversaw the management of this site operations so as to guarantee continuous voice and data service availability within the area.
“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 a clean environment and an uninterrupted power supply.
The efficacy of the telecommunications system for the community was showcased during the inauguration when
Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi
The head of the Ibwa 2 Community conducted a live consultation with a physician in Abuja. During this event, the Minister along with other attendees watched as a teacher from Lagos utilized Huawei technology to instruct the local school’s pupils through an online video session.
Speaking at the event,
Mr Kazeem Kaka
The Head of Division for North West at Globacom stated: “This endeavor represents an ongoing effort by Globacom to broaden access to communication. Ever since 2003, we’ve been leading initiatives aimed at reducing obstacles to connectivity, making telephone services, the internet, and data plans more available and budget-friendly for every Nigerian citizen. The unveiling today underscores this dedication. We’re especially enthusiastic regarding how this project will boost education, enhance healthcare, and foster financial independence among the residents of Ibwa.”
In his speech,
Mr. Terrens Wu
The Managing Director of Huawei Nigeria Enterprises stated that his company was proud to support initiatives using digital technology to enhance healthcare and education in remote regions, as well as to facilitate connectivity. Additionally, Huawei supplied the local community with 120 affordable smartphones to ensure everyone had access to telecommunications services.
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