The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WIOCC, an ICT and broadband company, to install fiber optic internet connectivity across all 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
Speaking at the event, held at Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA, Governor Alex Otti stated that the agreement would connect major cities, including Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia, as well as the entire state, to reliable internet services.
“In a nutshell, WIOCC is going to deploy infrastructure in two forms: pervasive fiber optic across the state, covering all 17 LGAs, and connecting the three major zones of Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia,” the Governor explained.
He described the formal signing of the MOU as a turning point in the socio-economic development of the state, adding that the company would immediately begin surveying the state to implement the project.
“Major educational and health institutions will be connected, and they’re going to start service immediately. This is not just a symbolic event; it’s the beginning of the project,” Otti assured.
Governor Otti also noted that the investment would benefit mobile network operators by addressing connectivity blind spots and providing backup infrastructure to extend their signals.
He highlighted how the initiative would revolutionize Healthcare, Civil Service, Education, Governance, and citizen feedback systems through enhanced electronic data transmission.
He commended WIOCC, a leading interconnectivity and infrastructure company in Africa, for choosing to partner with Abia State.
Earlier, WIOCC Group’s Chief Executive Development Officer, Derren Bredford, said the decision to invest in Abia, in addition to their success in Lagos, was inspired by the dynamism and innovation Governor Otti has brought to the state.
The delegation was accompanied by Apostle Chibuzo Gift, the General Overseer of Omega Ministries.
