Deputy Speaker, Kalu Welcomes FG’s Telecom Tower in Abia, Identifies 16 Locations for More Coverage

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has welcomed the Federal Government’s efforts to expand telecommunications access in rural communities following the commissioning of a National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP) tower in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The tower, located along the Umuahia–Ohafia Road, was commissioned on Friday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, as part of a national initiative to connect underserved communities.

Speaking at the event, Kalu said reliable telecommunications services were essential for financial inclusion, education, healthcare delivery and economic development.

“On behalf of the people of Bende Federal Constituency, I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his administration’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure and bringing more Nigerians into the digital economy.

“I commend the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the implementing agencies, network providers, engineers and all partners responsible for this intervention. Thank you for choosing Bende. Thank you for recognising the needs and potential of our people”, Kalu said.

He explained that improved connectivity would enable traders to receive electronic payments, help farmers reach buyers, give students access to online learning and allow health workers to consult specialists.

The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, disclosed that 16 additional locations requiring connectivity intervention had been identified in the constituency.

He urged the ministry and its partners to work with his office and community leaders to assess coverage gaps and develop plans to extend services to the affected areas. He also stressed the need for regular maintenance, reliable power supply and prompt repairs to ensure sustainable service delivery.

Kalu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ministry for the initiative, while calling on traditional rulers and town union leaders to protect the telecommunications infrastructure.

Earlier, Tijani said the NUCAP programme aims to connect nearly 20 million Nigerians without access to telephone and internet services. He added that the Federal Government planned to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide, with the Bende installation marking the commissioning of the first site.

Highlights of the event included a live e-learning demonstration at Bende Grammar School using the newly deployed infrastructure and the distribution of mobile phones to constituents.