Eze Eberechukwu Oji Commissions Amuvi Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub

His Eminence, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, has commissioned the Amuvi Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub, an initiative sponsored by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), implemented by the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI), in collaboration with the Amuvi Development Group (ADG) of the Amuvi Welfare and Development Association.

During the commissioning, His Eminence affirmed that the Aro Renaissance is spreading across the entire Kingdom and called on all Umu-Aro to embrace and support the positive development initiatives taking place throughout Arochukwu.

Eze Eberechukwu Oji, who was represented by HRH Eze Amos Ngwu Egbu Okoro, Eze Ibom Isii, stated that something positive was happening in Arochukwu and urged everyone to take full advantage of the opportunities being created. He also called on the Eze Ogos to exercise their franchise and participate in the digital learning training.

The President-General, Amuvi Welfare and Development Association (AWADA), Mazi Engr. Ogbonnia Nwafor, in his welcome address, said advancements in education, technology, and knowledge had made it possible for people to learn from wherever they are.

He said, “We will embrace technology, and we are commissioning the Connectivity Hub. The whole essence is for us to come together and connect with the wider world.”
Mazi Nwafor warned that failure to use the equipment provided for the Connectivity Hub would defeat the purpose of the project, urging residents to make effective use of the facility to promote development in the community.

The project implementer for Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI), Mazi Barrister Osondu Nwokoro, said 100 people would be trained in digital marketing, online management, and personal digital security for eight weeks
He said the training would be free of charge, adding that the initiative was only the beginning and that more programs would follow.

According to him, “Charity begins at home, and that is why we chose Arochukwu Kingdom as the place to site the project.”

He said the Connectivity hub in Amuvi Arochukwu is aimed at providing internet access and promoting digital inclusion in Amuvi and Arochukwu in general, which is basically an underserved community.

“The value of this project is to stimulate socio-economic activities in the community through digital platforms. Students can access educational resources and facilities online using the internet that will be provided free of charge. Farmers can access information about their crops, while businessmen can also access information and opportunities relevant to their businesses.

“You can connect to the whole world remotely from where you are. The world is becoming a digital village, and the idea behind this project is to grant members of the Amuvi community access to that digital village through reliable and continuous internet access.”

Barr Nwokoro reminded the people that the facility was not meant only for children but also for adults, adding that it would open up Amuvi and Arochukwu to greater opportunities and could eventually become a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre.

“This uses a satellite, not MTN or Glo, so no child will have any reason to say that there is no data to surf the net. We will give you a one-year subscription plan to support you,” he said.

Nwokoro added that the community provided the facility while IDI provided the necessary equipment and infrastructure.

He disclosed that there were two such facilities in Arochukwu Kingdom-one in Amuvi and another in Aro Okporoenyi, Aro diaspora community.

Also speaking, Mazi Ikechukwu Okafor reminded the students gathered at the event that knowledge of artificial intelligence could be acquired through the Connectivity Hub.

He said, “You can get well-paid jobs through the use of the Connectivity Hub. This is your lottery to a better life.”

Lady Uzunma Stella Okoro, President-General of Onyemaranwanneya Worldwide, prayed that whatever was invested in the Connectivity Hub would bear good fruit. She also thanked the individuals and organisations that made the project possible.

In his vote of thanks, HRH Mazi Thomas Nlenanya Okoroji, Eze Ogo Amuvi, applauded everyone who contributed to the building of the Connectivity Hub and prayed for long life and prosperity for all sons and daughters of Amuvi.

He said, “The beautiful thing about it is that it is not only for the youths but also for adults, so we will also use it. The right question is whether one has an interest.”

In his introductory remarks, the Chairman of the ADG Education and Training Committee, Dr Chibueze Tobias Orji, provided background information on the project and commended AWADA for its commitment and efforts in meeting the counterpart funding requirements.

He also expressed appreciation to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI) for their invaluable support towards the successful implementation of the project. He further thanked the invited guests for finding time to honour the Amuvi community with their presence.

The event was attended by several community leaders and dignitaries, including Mazi Charles Igboko, Vice President II, AWADA National; Comrade Oji Uja Oji, Secretary General, AWADA; Dr Azubike Okoro; Mazi Uche Uwa, former Vice President, AWADA; Mazi Chima Amara, former Chairman, AWADA Home Branch; Mazi Mbonu Oji, Chief Security Officer, Amuvi; Mazi Samuel Okereke, Commander, Amuvi Security; Mazi Eddie Onyeador, Chairman, AWADA Home Branch; Mazi Chibo Nwosu, Vice Chairman, AWADA Home Branch; Pastor Chima Okoro, Secretary, AWADA Home Branch; Mrs Dorcas Kassie, Principal, Amuvi Comprehensive Secondary School; Mazi Enyinnaya Okoro, former Secretary General, AWADA; Mazi Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, PG, Ndi Ibom; Very Rev. Fr Anthony Nwogu, Parish Priest, St Thomas Catholic Parish, Amuvi; Rev. Fr Charles Ukandu, Principal, Madonna Secondary School, Ugwuakuma; and Mazi Tochukwu Onyeador, Youth Secretary, among others.