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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), Africa’s Digital Backbone, and the Abia State Government are partnering to establish a landmark Fibre Duct Infrastructure Project that will drive the state to digital inclusion.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Aba, Governor Alex Otti said the event marked the commencement of a transformative infrastructure project designed to expand broadband access, enhance digital inclusion and improve last-mile connectivity across Abia State.
Governor Otti commended WIOCC for partnering with the state to drive Abia’s digital transformation agenda, emphasising the administration’s commitment to enabling an environment for innovation and investment.
He noted that the project would play a critical role in attracting businesses, stimulating job creation and improving the ease of doing business in the state.
“Our smart city development vision will gain a major foothold at the completion of this project because it will connect important residential and commercial destinations across the state, providing irresistible value to real estate investors.
“While the project will begin with the urban centres, my assurance is that no community will be left behind. Our target is that over the next 12 to 18 months, we shall see a dramatic rise in the number of homes, schools, offices and institutions connected to the broadband superhighway that runs on the duct fibre infrastructure we are laying the foundation today.”
Otti stated that the successful delivery of the project will attract the interest of big players in the global tech ecosystem to the state, with its attendant creation of job and enterprise partnerships.
Otti said WIOCC, having successfully managed about 75, 000 kilometres of terrestrial fibre and submarine cables for customers, he was optimistic the company will provide the backbone to achieve the target of efficient, fast and affordable internet connectivity for residents and businesses in Abia.
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Dr Ayotunde Coker, the CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), a subsidiary of WIOCC Group, highlighted the project’s significance in bridging the digital divide and advancing national broadband goals.
“Our partnership with the Abia State Government represents a shared vision to accelerate digital access and inclusion.
“This infrastructure will enable faster, more reliable connectivity that empowers communities, fuels entrepreneurship and strengthens economic growth,” he assured.
He said the Abia State Duct Infrastructure Project aligns with WIOCC’s mission to build open-access, carrier-neutral digital infrastructure that supports the delivery of next-generation connectivity and cloud services.
In his goodwill message, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM) and Royal Father, Eze (Apostle) Chibuzor Chinyere, described Dr. Otti as a Messiah sent by God Almighty to deliver the state from ruins and appreciated the transformational projects of Governor Otti in Abia State.
He said the groundbreaking event symbolises the beginning of a long-term investment in Abia State’s digital future, adding that this will improve access to data services, support smart city development, and contribute to a more inclusive digital economy.
The monarch said he had no doubt the project would have multiplier benefits in the area of job creation, enterprise partnerships and general economic development of the state.
