WAIVE ROLLS OUT FREE 24-HOUR BROADBAND INTERNET IN DELTA COMMUNITY

Residents and indigenes of Obi-Ayagha Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are now enjoying free 24-hour broadband internet service following the inauguration of a community-wide connectivity project facilitated by the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Rev.) Francis Ejiroghene Waive.

The initiative, which provides uninterrupted broadband internet access at no cost to users, marks another milestone in the lawmaker’s sustained efforts to improve education, healthcare, digital inclusion and the overall quality of life in the community.

The broadband project complements the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre earlier established by Hon. Waive to promote digital literacy, equip young people with relevant technological skills and expand access to digital opportunities.

In the education sector, Hon. Waive was credited with single-handedly constructing the community’s secondary school before it was later taken over by the Delta State Government. Despite the takeover, he has continued to pay the salaries of privately engaged teachers from the inception of the school and currently provides accommodation for the principal.

His educational interventions also extend to the community’s primary school, where pupils have received free school uniforms, exercise books, school bags and sandals to support learning and reduce the financial burden on parents.

In the power sector, the federal lawmaker restored electricity to Obi-Ayagha in 2019 after the community had endured more than eight years without public power supply. He recently strengthened electricity distribution by donating a bulk prepaid meter, while solar-powered streetlights installed through his intervention continue to illuminate major parts of the community.

Healthcare has also witnessed remarkable improvements through his intervention. A modern cottage hospital completed last year is currently being processed to operate as an outreach centre of the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, a development expected to improve access to quality healthcare for residents.

Beyond infrastructure, Hon. Waive has sustained various empowerment programmes, including the distribution of motorcycles and sewing machines, agricultural loans and COVID-19 relief grants. His support has also enabled several indigenes to secure employment in the Federal Medical Centre and other government agencies.

To promote youth development and community recreation, he facilitated the provision of sporting facilities, including tennis and snooker equipment. His annual Christmas outreach programme, featuring the distribution of cows and bags of rice to residents, has also become a cherished tradition in the community.

Residents described the free broadband internet project as transformative, noting that it would significantly improve access to education, digital skills, business opportunities and communication.

They expressed appreciation for what they described as consistent, impactful and people-oriented representation, adding that the numerous projects attracted by Hon. Waive have positioned Obi-Ayagha as one of the fastest-developing rural communities in the federal constituency.