The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has welcomed the Federal Government’s efforts to expand telecommunications access in rural communities. This follows the commissioning of a National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP) tower in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the tower, located along the Umuahia–Ohafia Road, was commissioned on Friday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, as part of a national initiative to connect underserved communities.
Kalu said reliable telecommunications services were essential for financial inclusion, education, healthcare and economic development. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for expanding digital infrastructure and commended the ministry, network providers and engineers. “Thank you for choosing Bende,” he said.
He explained that better connectivity would let traders receive electronic payments, help farmers reach buyers, give students access to online learning and allow health workers to consult specialists.
The Deputy Speaker disclosed that 16 additional locations in the constituency need connectivity intervention. He urged the ministry and its partners to work with his office and community leaders to close coverage gaps, and stressed the need for regular maintenance, reliable power and prompt repairs.
Tijani said NUCAP will deliver 3,700 towers nationwide to connect close to 20 million Nigerians with no access to phone and internet services, with Bende as the first site. “A farmer here with produce ready to sell should not have to struggle to find a signal to call a buyer,” he said. He added that work in Bende would continue with the Deputy Speaker, operators and community leaders.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the event included a live e-learning demonstration at Bende Grammar School and the distribution of mobile phones to constituents.
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