Matilda Omonaiye/
In a bold step to bridge Nigeria’s widening digital divide, the Rotary Club of Ibadan Bodija Estate has partnered with GVA Telecommunications to roll out affordable internet access across Bodija and the wider Ibadan metropolis, targeting underserved residents, students, and small businesses.
The initiative, unveiled after a strategic meeting at the club’s New Bodija clubhouse, is part of Rotary’s Community Economic Development Project and is designed to stimulate internet-driven enterprises while expanding access to digital opportunities.
Under the arrangement, subsidised broadband hotspots will be deployed at strategic locations including schools, markets, and community centres, offering low-cost connectivity to households grappling with the high cost of internet services.
Speaking during the unveiling, Chartered President of the club, Rotarian Kayode Odeleye, described the partnership as a landmark intervention that aligns with Rotary’s service-driven mission.
“Access to affordable internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” Odeleye said. “This collaboration positions residents of Bodija and Ibadan for greater opportunities in education, commerce, and innovation.”
Also speaking, President-elect Rotarian Anya Chukwu underscored the sustainability focus of the project, noting that it reflects the club’s commitment to long-term, high-impact initiatives.
“This is a cornerstone project for us, one that will deliver enduring value, especially for young people and entrepreneurs who rely on digital access to thrive,” she said.
President of the club, Rotarian Victor Giwa, added that the initiative is in line with Rotary’s global emphasis on community development, education, and ICT advancement.
“Reliable internet access has become essential for learning, entrepreneurship, and participation in the global economy. This intervention is about creating real opportunities,” Giwa stated.
On his part, Head of GVA Telecommunications, Mr. Paul Williams, said the collaboration forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand digital inclusion in underserved communities.
According to him, the project will deploy cost-efficient infrastructure and flexible subscription models tailored to local income realities, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
Residents have welcomed the development with optimism, expressing hope that improved connectivity will enhance online education, remote work, and small-scale digital businesses.
Education stakeholders also lauded the initiative, noting that many students in Ibadan still face significant barriers in accessing online learning resources despite the growing reliance on digital education tools.
Implementation has already commenced in phases, with pilot hotspots scheduled for select areas in Bodija ahead of a wider rollout across Ibadan.
Community leaders say the partnership could serve as a template for similar public-private collaborations aimed at closing infrastructure gaps and accelerating socio-economic development nationwide.
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