Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, yesterday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the state’s ambitious Fibre Duct Infrastructure Project in partnership with the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) under a public-private partnership model.The event, held at Aba Town Hall in Aba South LGA, signals the start of a major initiative to expand broadband penetration, enhance digital inclusion, and improve last-mile connectivity across the state.Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Otti described the project as a cornerstone of his administration’s digital transformation agenda.“This groundbreaking marks our resolute commitment to building a robust underground duct system that will support reliable broadband deployment, superior digital services, and create an enabling environment for investors and residents,” he said.The governor praised WIOCC for its collaboration, stating that the completed infrastructure will accelerate the growth of Abia’s digital economy, drive enterprise innovation, foster resource sharing, and enhance cross-boundary collaboration.He projected significant economic benefits, including increased business attraction, job creation, and improved ease of doing business.Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres (a WIOCC subsidiary) and chief host of the event, hailed the project as a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide and supporting Nigeria’s national broadband objectives.“This initiative represents a long-term investment in Abia’s digital future. It will deliver faster, more reliable connectivity, empower communities, fuel entrepreneurship, and support smart city development,” Dr. Coker said.He emphasized that the open-access, carrier-neutral infrastructure aligns with WIOCC’s broader mission to build digitally connected ecosystems across Africa through strategic government and industry partnerships.
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