The Federal Government has commissioned a flagship telecommunications tower under the National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP) along the Umuahia–Ohafia Road in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.

The facility, unveiled on Friday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, marks the beginning of a nationwide initiative aimed at extending mobile and broadband services to unserved and underserved rural communities across Nigeria.

?Speaking at the commissioning, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized that reliable telecommunications infrastructure is fundamental to accelerating financial inclusion, broadening educational opportunities, and expanding healthcare delivery in rural areas.

?Kalu highlighted that while connectivity is often taken for granted in urban centers, its presence in rural communities directly impacts livelihoods—determining whether transactions succeed, students access digital classrooms, or families reach medical help during emergencies.

He noted that dependable networks are essential for modern financial services, including agent banking, mobile transfers, and digital payments, which bring formal banking closer to unbanked populations.

?Addressing educational and healthcare impacts, the Deputy Speaker stated that digital infrastructure expands access beyond traditional school environments, allowing students to access online tutoring and digital skills while facilitating telemedicine for local healthcare workers to consult remote specialists.

He also noted the strategic relevance of Bende’s location for regional trade and civic engagement, revealing that 16 additional locations requiring connectivity interventions have been identified within the constituency for future collaboration with the Ministry.

?Expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, Kalu urged local traditional rulers and community leaders to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure as vital public assets.

?In his address, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, explained that the Bende site represents the first of 3,700 telecommunications towers planned under the NUCAP initiative to bring nearly 20 million previously unconnected Nigerians online, in alignment with presidential directives.

?The commissioning event featured a live demonstration of e-learning tools at Bende Grammar School powered by the new network infrastructure, alongside the distribution of mobile devices to local constituents.