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How Tijani’s project to connect 774 local governments will bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, yield economic gains

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Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani’s recently announced policy to connect all 774 local government areas in Nigeria represents a bold and forward-thinking initiative from the Minister with far-reaching implications for the country’s communication, innovation, and digital economy. By aiming to connect every local government area, the policy seeks to address the digital divide that exists between urban and rural areas, as well as between different regions of the country.

As contained in the policy which was announced on the Minister’s X (formerly Twitter) page, one of the key benefits of this policy is the potential to improve access to communication and digital services for millions of Nigerians who currently lack such access. This can have a transformative impact on various aspects of their lives, including education, healthcare, commerce, and governance. For example, improved connectivity can enable better access to online education and healthcare services, facilitate e-commerce and digital payments, and enhance government services and citizen engagement.

Although achieving such universal connectivity across all local government areas will require a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors, in an interview with NewsDirect Correspondent, Special Adviser to the Minister, Mr. Osibo highlighted that; “Project 774 is a very feasible one.” He reiterated that the project will be co-anchored by two of the agencies under the ministry; Galaxy Back Bone (GBB) and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat).

Mr. Osibo further revealed to our correspondent that plans are already in place and the project should take between three to six months to be achieved.

Moreover, ensuring the successful implementation of this policy will also require addressing various challenges. These include the need to bridge the digital literacy gap by providing training and support for users in rural and underserved areas, ensuring the affordability of digital services, and promoting the development of locally relevant content and services.

If successfully implemented, the Project 774 LG Connectivity Initiative has the potential to significantly improve access to digital services and contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The Minister also did mention that this policy has the potential to create about 300 jobs for the Nigerian Youths.

“Project 774 LG Connectivity will create at least 300 direct jobs as we deploy nationwide and potentially more jobs indirectly from the increase in digital access. It is also aligned with our Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint and is a significant step in achieving President @officialABAT’s mandate to deliver efficient public service to our citizens at the LG level,” Minister Bosun Tijani said.

In addition to the employment opportunities to be created by this policy, there are various benefits of connecting all the local governments in Nigeria which the Minister has set out to do and a few.

Top of the list is that connecting all local governments in Nigeria can significantly boost economic growth and development. Improved connectivity can open up new markets and business opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural and underserved areas.

Businesses will be able to expand their reach, access a larger customer base, and engage in e-commerce more effectively. This can lead to increased economic activity and more job creation, especially at the local government level.

Also, the initiative will provide enhanced access to essential services. With reliable internet access, students in remote areas can access online learning resources and educational materials, reducing the educational gap between urban and rural areas. Similarly, telemedicine services can provide remote communities with access to healthcare professionals and medical advice, improving rural health care and reducing the need for costly travel to urban centers for medical treatment.

Universal connectivity will also improve governance and public service delivery in Nigeria. With digital connectivity, government agencies can streamline their operations, reduce paperwork, and improve the efficiency of service delivery. Also, citizens can access government services online, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. This can lead to greater transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for Nigerians.

In conclusion, Bosun Tijani’s policy to connect all 774 local government areas in Nigeria has the potential to be a game-changer for the country’s digital economy and overall development. By focusing on digital connectivity across all the Local Governments, the policy has the opportunity to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Nigerians, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.

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May Day: Glo salutes Nigerian workers

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Digital telecommuni cations solutions provider, Globacom, has saluted Nigerian workers as the country observes this year’s edition of the International Workers’ Day. The company enjoined them to rededicate themselves to excellence so as to take Nigeria to the next level.

In a solidarity message released on Tuesday, Globacom lauded the resilient spirit of workers in spite of present challenges. It urged them to use the opportunity of the Workers’ Day to reflect on how their contributions can build a better and more vibrant society.

“We salute Nigerian workers on this day and commend them for the hard work, commitment, resourcefulness and industry which are essential for the growth of the economy of any nation,” Globacom said, and urged them not to rest on their oars.

The company noted that the story of Nigeria cannot be complete without the huge contributions of workers, both in the public and private sectors.

The International Labour Day is observed annually on May 1 to recognise the contributions of workers all over the world. It is also used to promote a fairer and more sustainable future for all by advocating for workers’ rights.

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Abaranje fire: Company sues for calm, assures victims of healthcare support

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By our reporter

Carville Integrated Ventures Limited, a leading telecoms facility management services provider, has appealed for calm following the recent fire incident at Abaranje Base Station.

The company manages base stations on behalf of Airtel Nigeria.

In a statement, the Management of Carville noted that the incident occurred during maintenance operations on a leaking part of a diesel tank, resulting in injuries to some individuals from the local community who forcefully gained unauthorised access into the facility hosting the base station during the maintenance work.

The company however sympathised with the victims while promising to provide healthcare support to them.

“The management of Carville Integrated Ventures, extends her condolences to the affected individuals and their families, stating, ‘Our hearts go out to those injured in the unfortunate incident. We are committed to providing support and assistance during their recovery process.’

“We stand by our commitment to the communities we serve, and we will continue to prioritize their welfare in all our operations.”

“Furthermore, Carville appeals to community leaders and members to cooperate with the company in implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

“Safety is our top priority,” the management affirmed. “We urge everyone to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all.”

“Carville is working closely with local authorities and regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria has also in a statement sympathised with the victims of the fire incident.

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Digital identity: FG, Bill Gates partner to harmonise database

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By our reporter

The Federal Government and Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates are in talks to develop a system that will help Nigeria harmonise her identity system database.

The Microsoft Founder made this known when he met with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.

According to Gates, “We are working with Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation. Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.

“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits. We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support.

“With MOSIP ID, there is potential application in all government payment programmes. It helps with payment efficiency and bank accounts, and eventually, when everyone is using that, it makes tax collection easier. That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes,” the Former Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft said.

Mr. Gates said Nigeria has the capacity to manage this system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.

“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.

Responding, President Tinubu noted that his administration is investing in technology that is tailored towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government and accelerating public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people.

Emphasising his unwavering commitment to deliver reliable technology that will support a national consumer credit system and many other critical new government interventions for all Nigerians, the President said resistance is often expected when efforts are made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance.

“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology.”

“There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit. The nation will receive the benefit,” the President said.

The President also stated that he is proud of Nigeria’s youths noting that they encourage him to continue to press his reform efforts forward for their future prosperity.

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