The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has inaugurated a Digital Village in Ibwa 2, Kura community within Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, as part of its initiative to extend digital access to underserved rural areas.
This project, launched in collaboration with Huawei Nigeria and Globacom, offers high-speed internet, e-learning resources, and telemedicine services, aiming to transform remote communities into digitally empowered environments.Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who led the commissioning ceremony, connected the initiative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for inclusive digital development.“We are fortunate to have a President dedicated to the progress of every Nigerian, regardless of location,” Tijani stated.
This project was established on President Tinubu’s instruction to ensure all citizens can access the opportunities that digital technology provides.”During the launch, Tijani held up a mobile phone, describing it as a “window to the world” that links individuals to family, financial services, education, and healthcare.
He, however, highlighted that over 20 million Nigerians, especially in northern regions, still lack such connectivity due to inadequate infrastructure.
This is precisely why the President has directed investments in 7,000 connectivity kits like the one installed here,” he explained. “Kura community is the first beneficiary, and if we utilize it effectively, more communities will follow.
The Digital Village features free public Wi-Fi, internet-enabled schools equipped with Huawei’s IdeaHub boards, and digital health centers with telemedicine capabilities, all powered by solar energy systems.
Tijani appreciated Huawei Nigeria’s broader support beyond infrastructure, noting the provision of learning devices, teacher training, and school renovations that incorporate smart education features like remote learning. Local hospitals have also been equipped with general practice medical kits, workstations, and Huawei’s IdeaHub systems to facilitate telemedicine, addressing the shortages of teachers and healthcare professionals in remote areas.
They have gone beyond just providing connectivity—they are investing in people,” he remarked. Terrens Wu, Huawei Nigeria’s Enterprise Managing Director, emphasized that the project’s primary goal is to improve lives, not merely deploy technology.“Digital villages are about people. Farmers can check prices, students can study online, and pregnant women can access medical advice—all through their phones.
That’s how we change lives,” Wu said. “It’s about breaking down barriers.”He outlined the initiative’s three main pillars: connectivity, education, and healthcare.Kazim Kaka, Globacom’s Northwest Division Head, underscored the broader ambitions of the project.
This is more than just telecom—it’s about giving every Nigerian an equal opportunity to thrive in the digital age,” he stated, highlighting the importance of sustainable public-private partnerships in bridging the rural digital divide.
The traditional ruler of Ibwa 2 Kura, Alhaji Abubakar Shuaibu, expressed gratitude, noting the community’s transformation.“Our village looks like London today,” he said. “We now have network access, gadgets, and even a renovated school and hospital.
Although we still need more staff and teachers, this is a huge step forward.”Currently, the Digital Village in Kura serves over 12,000 residents, and the Ministry announced plans to include more communities in future phases of the project.
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