South East Digital Hub: Deputy Speaker, Nigcomsat, Sign MoU

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu, and the management of the Nigerian Satellite Communication Ltd, Nigcomsat, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, on digital and innovation. 

The agreement was signed Thursday at the National Assembly complex office of the Dep Speaker, 

According to details of the document, the arrangement is aimed at empowering thousands of Nigerians across the five states of the South East under the auspices of the Peace In The South East-Project, PISE-P. 

Hon Kalu, who signed the MOU on behalf of PISE-P, pointed out that the initiative is designed to bridge the digital gap in various in the area, with particular emphasis in remote and underserved areas in the region. 

“The South East region, once considered a hub for entrepreneurial activities, is facing numerous socio-economic challenges currently. Rising unemployment, inflation, and security threats have hindered the region’s potential for growth. PISE-P recognizes the urgency to address these challenges, restore peace, and unlock the untapped potential within the region.

“Utilising NIGCOMSAT’s state-of-the-art satellite technology, CEDIH will provide reliable and affordable connectivity, ensuring that residents in the South-East gain access to vital services such as telemedicine, education, and financial solutions. By addressing the digital gap, this project promotes inclusion, reduces disparities, and contributes to enhanced healthcare and overall quality of life for residents in the South East. If this is not renewed hope, I wonder what it is," he said

Hon Kalu, who expressed delight in the progress being made to usher in new development model for the South East, explained that while the essence of the MoU is to mobilize for a more connected and more prosperous South East, it is also in line with the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, particularly as it affects job creation. 

“Today, we also have the privilege of unveiling the model of the hub, symbolizing the tangible progress we are making towards a more connected and prosperous South East. This model represents our devotion to creating a future where every individual, regardless of their location, has equal access to information, opportunities, and resources” he pointed out. 

“This event symbolises the beginning of a transformative journey towards digital empowerment and inclusive development in our beloved South East, Nigeria as a whole, and is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We must be certain about this, that the agenda of the President cannot be carried out by the President alone in isolation of the agencies of government and other arms of government.

“So, this is a true way from the Office of the Deputy Speaker, to assure Mr President that his agenda, his renewed hope agenda, is well in place. And when it comes to the digital economy, we are embracing his vision for the digital economy of this country. And we don’t want to wait for him.

Hon Kalu noted that for the PISE-P to take off as intended, there is an utmost need to leverage on existing relationship while building on new ones. The partnership, he emphasized, is geared towards the greater need of impacting positively on the lives of Nigerians. 

“We want to leverage our relationship with the various government agencies in the country to begin to implement those dreams, those visions so that they can become a mission to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians. So, this is a way of saying we are partnering with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in South East for the digital economy,” he said.

He pointed out that PISE-P, a flagship peace-seeking initiative for the South East is more than a Non-Governmental Organization. It is, according to him, an organization driven by the vision to nurture lasting peace, stability and sustainable development 

“Peace in the South East Project is more than just a Non-Governmental Organization. We are a dedicated organization, driven by the vision of nurturing lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development in South East Nigeria.

“Through innovative and inclusive non-kinetic approaches, we empower our dynamic workforce to drive educational excellence, agricultural innovation, thriving commerce and industry, robust infrastructural development, rich cultural tourism, vibrant sports and entertainment, and effective governance and leadership. These are the pillars of PISE-P. Our vision is to unlock the untapped potential within the region and restore its position as a hub for entrepreneurial activities,” he added.

Hon Kalu, who commended the Governors in the five states of the South East for working tirelessly to ensure the security and peace of the people in the region, added that it is incumbent on all peace loving Nigerian to support the initiative as peace in the region is also peace for the nation.

While speaking on the MOU, Managing Director, NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, noted that South East region is rooted on a rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and immense contributions to the growth of our nation, all of which require to be further nurtured. The reason, she said, underscored the need to “harness the potential of this region and create an environment where sustainable peace and development can thrive.

“This initiative will foster harmony and reconciliation amongst the diverse communities, and serve as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, investment opportunities, and improved quality of life for the people,” she noted.

Stressing that the MOU is aimed at delivering a non-kinetic solution to peace driven by digital technology, she pledged NIGCOMSAT’s commitment towards supporting initiatives that promote peace as a non-kinetic tool for the insecurity.

The pilot project of the MoU will tee off in the five states in the South-East beginning with Nimo Town, Njikoka LGA in Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency of Anambra State; Owo community, Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State; Mgbom community at Afikpo in Ebonyi State; Bende community, Bende LGA, Abia State and Umunachi, Isiala, Mbano, Imo State.

“...digital transformation indeed, holds significant potential to drive socio-economic development and propel the nation towards a prosperous future as outlined in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The foundation of governance is at the grassroots level; local government secretariats can provide a direct point of contact for citizens and shape the socio-economic landscape of the country.

“Increased investment in connectivity that delivers access to a reliable internet infrastructure at local government areas across Nigeria will ultimately, give the nation the platform to unlock benefits that will empower communities, drive inclusive growth and bridge the digital divide