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The UK Government has inaugurated a community-owned digital connectivity hub in Siun, Obafemi Owode LGA, Ogun State, to expand internet access and digital skills.
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The facility is one of 10 community-centred connectivity hubs supported by the UK Government through its Digital Access Programme and implemented by the Initiative for Digital Inclusion.
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The Siun hub will provide internet access, digital learning, entrepreneurship and skills-development opportunities, with local residents responsible for its ownership and management.
September 11, (THEWILL) – The United Kingdom Government has inaugurated a community digital connectivity hub in Siun, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, to expand internet access and digital opportunities for residents of the community.
The hub, inaugurated on September 2, is one of 10 community-centred connectivity hubs supported by the UK Government through its Digital Access Programme. The Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI) is implementing the project.
The facility is designed to provide reliable internet access, digital learning, skills development, entrepreneurship support and access to information and online services.
Unlike conventional externally managed projects, the Siun hub was built around a community-led model, with residents involved in its construction, ownership, management and plans for long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the inauguration, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnership at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said the project demonstrated how communities could help shape sustainable digital development.
She said the initiative was designed to enable communities to identify their needs and develop solutions that would have lasting benefits.
The facility was built with locally sourced materials and includes sustainable energy solutions, reflecting the project’s focus on resilience and environmental sustainability.
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The Olu of Siun, Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, said the hub would help young people and market women acquire skills needed in the modern economy.
He also pledged continued community support to ensure the facility remained operational and beneficial to residents.
Representing the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, Prof Ajao Adenekan described the hub as an opportunity for residents to gain access to new possibilities.
The Siun facility joins similar community connectivity hubs in Kaduna, Kwara, Abia and Ogun states, which provide internet access, digital literacy training and community learning opportunities.
The UK Digital Access Programme forms part of the British Government’s broader partnership with Nigeria to improve meaningful digital access, strengthen digital skills and support participation in the digital economy.
With operations now commencing, community leaders are expected to oversee the hub and maintain it as a centre for learning, skills development and economic opportunity, particularly for young people, women and other underserved residents.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
