The Federal Government, in partnership with digital solutions provider, Globacom and Huawei Technologies, on Wednesday launched a pilot project to provide digital access to over 7,000 remote communities across the country.
The pilot scheme kicked off in Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 community in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The initiative, championed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aims to deliver voice and data services, digital healthcare, and remote learning capabilities to the over 12,000 residents of the community.
The pilot project was commissioned by the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who commended Globacom and Huawei for supporting the federal government’s efforts at addressing the connectivity crisis affecting more than 20 million Nigerians.
Dr. Tijani stated that, “If you bring out your phone in many communities, there is no network at all. This is costing the country significantly because people cannot access financial services, medical care, or education”.
He noted that the project equally poses governance challenges because disconnected areas would be difficult to administer.
“Where you live should not determine your access to opportunities. We are using innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location, can thrive in the digital age,” the Minister added.
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”.
The site and all the equipment are powered by solar networks, thereby ensuring clean environment and uninterrupted power supply.
Part of the inauguration ceremony was a live demonstration in which the community leader, Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, was consulted by a medical doctor in Abuja, while students were taught online by a teacher in Lagos, which showcased the effectiveness of the system.
In his speech, Globacom’s Head of Division, North-West, Kazeem Kaka, reiterated the company’s commitment to communication being accessible for all Nigerians.
He said, “For Globacom, this is a continuation of our long-standing mission to democratize access to 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. We are particularly excited about the impact this initiative will have on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment of Ibwa people”.
Also, Huawei’s Managing-Director, Terrens Wu, expressed pride in being part of the initiative, promoting learning and healthcare in rural communities through digital technology.
Huawei donated 120 affordable smartphones to the community to facilitate access to telephony.
