Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has launched the Duct Infrastructure Project in partnership with the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) to boost broadband connectivity and digital transformation across the State.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Aba South LGA, Governor Otti in his speech titled “Taking Tomorrow”, said the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to building a technology-driven economy.
He explained that the underground duct system would support reliable broadband services, enabling digital communication and service delivery across education, health, governance and commerce.
“Our administration is building an interconnected service delivery architecture that would limit the use of physical papers and files and create a new culture of digital communication and exchange among students, teachers, patients, government institutions and the general public”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor noted that the project would create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and ensure that “no community will be left behind”.
He added that within 12 to 18 months, homes, schools and offices would be connected to the broadband superhighway, attracting major global tech players to the State.
Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr David Kalu, described the project as part of “a revolution of transformation and bold leadership” under Governor Otti.
Also, WIOCC Managing Director, Dr Ayotunde Coker, said the initiative would “break barriers and build new technology infrastructure across Abia”.
Other dignitaries, including Eze Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries and Nokia-Siemens representative Mr Mike Okpechimeh, commended Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and commitment to modernizing Abia State
