The Peace In South-East Project (PISE-P), an initiative of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) for the Community Enterprise Digital Hub, CEDIH, to be established across the five states of the South-East region on Thursday, February 8, 2024.
The pilot project is expected to take place in five selected communities from the five states of the region: Nimo Town, Njikoka LGA of Anambra State; Owo community, Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State; Mgbom community at Afikpo in Ebonyi State; Bende community in Bende LGA, Abia State; and Umunachi, Isiala, Mbano in Imo State.
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Speaking during the signing of the MOU, the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said NIGCOMSAT Ltd. is fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace as a non-kinetic tool for insecurity. “We are therefore proud to deliver the pilot project to commence for the five states in the South-East,” she said.
MD NIGCOMSAT, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Deputy Speaker, RT Hon Ben Kalu, at the unveiling of CEDIH in AbujaIn his remarks, the Deputy Speaker said the initiative was aimed at bridging the digital divide in various constituencies, particularly in remote and underserved areas, with a focus on the South-East.
He said, “The Southeast region, once considered a hub for entrepreneurial activities, is currently facing numerous socio-economic challenges. Rising unemployment, inflation, and security threats have hindered the region’s potential for growth. PISE-P recognises the urgency to address these challenges, restore peace, and unlock the untapped potential within the region.
“Utilizing NIGCOMSAT’s state-of-the-art satellite technology, CEDIH will provide reliable and affordable connectivity, ensuring that residents in the Southeast gain access to vital services such as telemedicine, education, and financial solutions. By addressing the digital gap, this project promotes inclusion, reduces disparities, and contributes to enhanced healthcare and overall quality of life for residents in the South East. If this is not renewed hope, I wonder what it is.
“Today, we also have the privilege of unveiling the model of the hub, symbolising the tangible progress we are making towards a more connected and prosperous South East. This model represents our devotion to creating a future where every individual, regardless of their location, has equal access to information, opportunities, and resources.”
Kalu said that the programme was in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on job creation.
“This event symbolises the beginning of a transformative journey towards digital empowerment and inclusive development in our beloved South East, Nigeria as a whole, and is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We must be certain about this: the agenda of the President cannot be carried out by the President alone in isolation of the agencies of government and other arms of government.
“So, this is a true way from the Office of the Deputy Speaker to assure Mr. President that his agenda, his renewed hope agenda, is well in place. And when it comes to digital economy, we are embracing his vision for the digital economy of this country,” he said.
CEDIH PrototypeThe Deputy Speaker also called on other government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and good-spirited individuals to take a cue from the patriotic initiative of NIGCOMSAT and support and partner with PISE-P to enable it to successfully utilise the line-up programmes of employment, development, reconciliation, and restoration of total peace in the South-East region.
“And we are also using this to make a call to other agencies of government to not just live in the letters of your mandate but to live in activating the impact of the mandate that the enabling and establishing acts that established you had in mind when you were brought into place.
“I encourage other agencies to emulate NIGCOMSAT, which has seen the gap and is trying to use the tools of the establishment to fill that gap. We need you in agriculture, and we need you in education. We need you in the environment and all those areas. Reach out to us; let us restore the dignity and pride of that particular region once more.
“Peace in the South East Project is more than just a non-governmental organization. We are a dedicated organisation driven by the vision of nurturing lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development in southeast Nigeria.
“Through innovative and inclusive non-kinetic approaches, we empower our dynamic workforce to drive educational excellence, agricultural innovation, thriving commerce and industry, robust infrastructural development, rich cultural tourism, vibrant sports and entertainment, and effective governance and leadership. These are the pillars of PISE-P. Our vision is to unlock the untapped potential within the region and restore its position as a hub for entrepreneurial activities,” he added.
CEDIHKalu also commended the governors in the five states of the South-East for working tirelessly to ensure the security and peace of the people in the region.
“I want to appreciate the South East Governors for their unflinching support and collaborative efforts with the Federal Government towards peace in the South East, and I want to mention the efforts of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma; the Governor of Anambra, Mr. Charles Soludo; and the Governors of Enugu State, Ebonyi State, and Abia State, as well as my state, Dr. Alex Otti.
“They are governors and ministers who have contributed to the remarkable milestones we have recognised so far. We are only here to assist and add our effort to the work that you are doing so far in our region. We are here to bring the voice of the Federal Government, the impact of the Federal Government, and the MDAs of the Federal Government to join the effort that you are making in the states so that, together, we can have a peaceful region.” He said.