National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Abia State Government (ABSG) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WIOCC, a prominent ICT and broadband technology company, to roll out fiber optic infrastructure and improve internet connectivity across the state.
This agreement aims to cover all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Abia State, ensuring that even rural areas benefit from enhanced digital services, a statement made available to NATIONAL TELESCOPE by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha has said.
According to the statement, the state Governor, Alex Otti, during the signing ceremony, explained that the project would focus on deploying metropolitan fibre optic infrastructure in the state’s three major cities: Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.
He highlighted that WIOCC would be responsible for providing internet connectivity across these cities, which are key hubs for the state’s development.
“This partnership marks a major milestone in the socio-economic growth of Abia State. With the deployment of fiber optics, we are setting the foundation for better communication and digital services across the state,” Governor Otti said. “WIOCC will begin surveying the state immediately to implement the project in line with the terms of the MOU.”
The Governor emphasized that the internet connectivity would have a far-reaching impact on sectors such as education, healthcare, and civil service.
He noted that the improved network would benefit institutions, businesses, and network operators by providing greater connectivity in villages and communities, thus creating both direct and indirect job opportunities, especially for the youth.
“This investment will not only impact the technology sector but will also boost the electronic transmission of files in healthcare, education, and governance, which are key to the state’s progress,” Governor Otti added. “It’s a significant step toward a more progressive and digitally connected Abia.”
Governor Otti also praised WIOCC as one of Africa’s leading companies in internet infrastructure and expressed gratitude to the company for choosing to partner with Abia State on this transformative project.
Earlier, the Chief Executive and Development Officer of WIOCC Group, Mr. Derren Bredford, explained that aside from Lagos, where the company has made significant progress, they decided to invest in Abia after observing the dynamism and innovation introduced by Governor Otti.
He stated, “We are excited about this partnership, which will provide internet connectivity throughout the state and create over 1,000 direct jobs, with the potential for many more indirect jobs.”
The WIOCC Group was led to the Governor by HRM Apostle Chibuzo Gift, the General Overseer of Omega Ministries, further cementing the importance of collaboration between government and private sector players for the development of Abia.
