Maduako Igbokwe l Thursday, April 01, 2021
ONITSHA, Nigeria – BGovernor of Anambra State chief Willie Obiano has said that the state government is strategically pursuing realization of broadband access across cities and rural areas within the state. He stated this on Tuesday while declaring open the stakeholders forum on facilitating broadband access in Anambra with the theme “favourable right of way (RoW) regime held in Awka Anambra state capital .
He said “As we all know, broadband technology contributes enormously to present day economic growth at several levels. It supports the development of the digital economy, consequently Anambra State under my leadership is vigorously speeding up processes to enable us harness the potentials of this technology. Among other things, broadband enhances financial inclusion, security, education and is a key enabler for all the other sectors of the economy”.
Obiano said, Anambra state is the first state in the South-East to implement a N0.00 per linear meter which is lower than the recommended fee of N145 per linear meter by the National Economic Council as RoW charges.
According to him, it is done to create an enabling environment for telecommunication companies and to spur increased fiber infrastructure deployment in Anambra that would further enhance broadband penetration through the length and breadth of the state.
“Our primary focuses are on E-security, E-commerce, E-government, E-education and E-health. We are of the view that these sectors are in line with the policy direction of my administration ,the Anambra State Urban Regeneration Initiative and of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, 2019 and the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025″he said .
Obiano said that some of the benefits of digitalisation include digitization of security, commerce, government, education and health. He also urged telecommunication companies to partner with the state to enhance the attainment of these noble initiatives.
According to him, his administration has put in place various mechanisms to ensure a favourable environment to help their businesses thrive in the state . Also speaking at the ceremony ,the Managing Director ,Anambra state Physical Planning Board Mr. Chile Maduekwe said the present administration is focused on achieving the State’s Urban Regeneration Initiative objectives, particularly E-security, E-commerce, E-government, E-education and E-health.
According to him, Anambra State Government has drawn inspiration from the Federal Government’s efforts and initiatives, and recognizes that it needs the support of players in the ecosystem, for a success of the broadband rollout programme.
“Suffice to say that Anambra State shares in this vision and projection and is keen to harness increased broadband access as a catalyst to enviably grow its economy” he said .
He also stated that the state government expect that the contributions from stakeholders in the Forum would form part of the considerations to be utilized in mapping out these strategies and also in reviewing the laws and practices in respect of the grant of row permits/approvals.
” Please feel free to make suggestions towards this as we assure of our commitment to the establishment of an efficient and consensual right of way regime in Anambra” he said .
