Follow Us on Google
From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, has said that the government waived Right of Way (RoW) charges for broadband infrastructure to unlock digital business opportunities for the residents of the state.
Agbata, who was a guest at the October congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council led by Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo approved the waiver to hasten his digital transformation of the state.
“One of the most foundational, yet understated, decisions in this digital journey was made in 2022, the waiver of the Right of Way (RoW) charges for broadband infrastructure by Mr. Governor,” he stated.
“At first glance, it seemed like a mere policy decision. But in reality, it was the bedrock of Anambra’s digital revolution. By removing the barriers that had long stifled broadband expansion, Governor Soludo sent a powerful message: Anambra is open for digital business.”
Agbata said that with that singular decision by the governor, the state now has fibre-to-home deployment, 5G infrastructure expansion, and faster and more reliable internet access across many communities.
“It also created an enabling environment where innovators, telecom operators, and entrepreneurs can thrive. Simply put, it unlocked what had been locked. And today, the results are visible, not theoretical,” he stated.
Agbata said that the state government has also activated 25 live Solution WiFi sites across the state to enable residents have free internet access. He said that the free internet could be accessed in schools, lodges, public spaces, and government institutions.
“These hotspots are not just infrastructure, they are lifelines. They democratise internet access for students, traders, civil servants, and everyday Ndi Anambra, bridging information divides and fostering inclusion”, he added.
Speaking further, the Anambra ICT Agency boss revealed that the state executive council now takes place online sometimes and that civil and public servants have been given digital gadgets to make their work easier.
“From less than 300 functional computers in 2022, the state has grown to over 5,000 devices distributed across MDAs, LG Heads of BPRS Departments, including Ministries of Justice, Special Duties, the Civil Service Commission, and the Disability Rights Commission.
“Teachers and principals also received 2,000 laptops in 2024, with more to come under the Smart School Project.”
Agbata said that the story of Anambra’s digital transformation was still unfolding, but the foundation has been laid, strong and unshakable.
“From the quiet yet bold RoW waiver, to the visible footprint of Solution WiFi, to the digitisation of governance, what we are building under Governor Soludo is a future where technology works for the people.
“This is about more than gadgets and cables. It is about creating a smart, liveable, and prosperous megacity; one that equips its youth, empowers its workers, strengthens its institutions, and ensures that no one is left behind”, he concluded.
