FG plans telecoms coverage for riverine communities by 2027

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All riverine communities in Nigeria are to be connected to the telecommunications network before the middle of 2027, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has announced.

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He made the announcement in the riverine community of Obighoro in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State on Sunday while addressing participants at the Grand Finale of the Bini Riva Live festival as part of activities marking the 5th Coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

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Tijani, who was at the event alongside the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, noted that President Bola Tinubu had given the Communications Ministry the marching order to connect all riverine communities without further delay in order to further boost the economic activities of the areas.

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He said, “It is important that we ensure that we connect every part of this country, including the riverine communities. And as God will have it, President Bola Tinubu has approved for my ministry to ensure that every part of this country is connected.

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“This is why we are installing 3,700 in rural communities across the country, and we are starting from Obighoro – Ogheye. We are coming back in October to flag off the network that will be here. Before mid-next year, all riverine communities in Nigeria will not only be connected to the rest of the country, but will be connected to the rest of the world at large.

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“These are communities based in the area that is giving so much to our economy, and we believe there is no money expended on this infrastructure that is not justifiable. Mr. President has given us the mandate that we must ensure how the national economy can be further boosted through effective communications, and that if the mandate is not achievable, we should let him know. And that is why we are here.”

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Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated that arrangements had been concluded to input the rich Bini Riva Live cultural festival into the Ministry’s Calendar running from January to December every year with a view to attracting local and foreign tourists.

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The minister also encouraged the people of the riverine communities to further intensify their fishing activities to boost the industry to international standards.

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Earlier, in a welcome address, the national Leader of Obighoro community, Dr Godwin Ebosa, commended the Federal Government delegation for taking delight in the socioeconomic development of the riverine communities while pledging sustained support of the rural dwellers for the government.

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