DIGITAL REVOLUTION AND CONNECTIVITY TAKES OFF IN PLATEAU STATE. By Yemi Kosoko
DIGITAL REVOLUTION AND CONNECTIVITY TAKES OFF IN PLATEAU STATE.
By Yemi Kosoko
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Plateau State Government and Solutron Eastern Fibre Limited has been signed for the implementation of a state-wide Broadband Fibre Infrastructural Project.
The landmark event, held at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos signifies a major step toward realizing the vision of a digitally connected, knowledge-driven Plateau.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the initiative as “a game changer and a homecoming for Plateau’s digital revolution,” stressing that the project would transform Plateau into one of Nigeria’s most connected and data-driven states, while positioning it as an emerging ICT hub for youth entrepreneurs and innovators.
“With this new journey, you can now sit anywhere across the State and work in America, this initiative would open global opportunities for Plateau citizens through digital connectivity.”
“Every genuine son, daughter, and friend of Plateau has a duty to bring value home. If we redirect even 10% of the resources circulating elsewhere back to Plateau, our economy will experience an unimaginable transformation,” the Governor remarked.
Governor Mutfwang further assured Plateau citizens that the agreement will enable the State to among others, map and redesign existing fibre routes for effective planning and management, expand Internet access to rural communities in line with digital inclusion agenda and empower local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and promote tech entrepreneurship; as well as appeal to stakeholders to embrace the digital era as a powerful tool for development, productivity, and global competitiveness.
In his message at the event, Director-General Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Mr. Datong Dominic Gwaman, noted that since Governor Mutfwang assumption in office, the State’s fibre coverage has grown from 900 kilometers to 2,500 kilometers, a development which he described as “the product of vision, collaboration, and leadership determined to bridge the digital divide.”
He added that the initiative would position Plateau as a digital hub in Northern Nigeria, which will attract investors, promote e-governance, and fostering innovation in sectors such as telemedicine, smart security, and electronic traffic management.
In his words, “When we improve connectivity, we don’t just increase Internet speed, we unlock economic possibilities. From business process outsourcing to remote learning and smart governance, this project will power a new Plateau economy.”
Chief Operating Officer of Solutron Eastern Fibre Limited, Mr. Chris Eguaibor, expressed optimism that the partnership would open the doors to a connected, creative, and competitive Plateau, with a pledge of the company’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and sustainable value creation.
The programme is to align with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan and “Dig Once” Policy for sustainable digital growth and when fully executed, the Broadband Infrastructure Project is expected to revolutionize communication, governance, education, healthcare, and business operations across Plateau State, ushering in a new era of innovation, inclusion, and prosperity.
The 25-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) partnership will establish a robust fibre optic network connecting ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as schools, hospitals, and homes, with high-speed Internet. Upon completion, the infrastructure will be fully handed over to the Plateau State Government.
