The Plateau State Government has taken a major stride toward a digitally connected future with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solutions Eastern Fibre Limited for the development of a state-wide broadband fibre optic infrastructure.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, at the Twin Theatre of the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, marks what Governor Caleb Mutfwang described as a “game changer” for Plateau’s socio-economic and technological advancement.
“The significance of this day is yet to fully sink in,” the governor said. “This is a turning point. With this project, you can sit in Jingir and work in America. That’s the world we’re entering — one where distance is no longer a barrier.”
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the partnership would revolutionize communication, education, healthcare, and business operations across the state while bridging the digital divide in rural communities.
He explained that the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to growth through public-private partnerships (PPP), noting that it would attract private investment rather than depend on government funds.
“We’re not spending government money but attracting private investment,” he stated. “This will enhance business growth, boost our Internally Generated Revenue, and open the door for innovation-driven development.”
The governor commended Mr. Rom Chan, a Plateau indigene based in the United Kingdom, for facilitating the collaboration, describing his effort as a patriotic contribution to the state’s development. He urged all stakeholders to ensure swift and effective implementation of the project.
Driving Plateau’s Digital Transformation
Mr. Chris Agwaibo, Chief Executive Officer of Solutions Eastern Fibre Limited, described the agreement as a historic leap forward for Plateau’s digital landscape.
“October 15, 2025, will be remembered as the day Plateau joined the digital highway,” he said. “This initiative will enable high-speed Internet access that supports remote work, online education, telemedicine, and e-governance.”
Agwaibo explained that the new fibre optic infrastructure would replace the state’s existing microwave network, offering faster, more reliable, and more stable connections. The project will be implemented under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, with Solutions Eastern Fibre managing the network for 25 years before handing it over to the state government.
He added that the infrastructure will also power smart technologies such as CCTV surveillance, electronic traffic management, and data centers in Jos, propelling Plateau toward a fully digital economy.
“This partnership offers an opportunity to generate wealth, create jobs, and develop the digital ecosystem,” Agwaibo noted. “Above all, it enables Plateau to leap truly into the 21st century.”
Understanding the Power of Fibre
In a technical presentation, Engr. Dominic Gwaman Datong, Director General of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), highlighted the advantages of fibre optic technology for modern connectivity.
He explained that while traditional copper and microwave systems have limited capacity, fibre optics transmit data at nearly the speed of light, allowing seamless and high-speed communication across long distances.
“Before this administration, Plateau had about 900 kilometers of fibre network,” Datong revealed. “With Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, that has now increased to around 2,500 kilometers. But we must expand further to connect our communities and institutions.”
Datong noted that the initiative aligns with the National Dig-Once Policy, which promotes coordinated infrastructure deployment to minimize road damage and reduce costs. He added that the expansion will improve Internet access, attract Internet Service Providers (ISPs), strengthen digital businesses, and create new employment opportunities.
Benefits of the Broadband Project
The new broadband network is expected to deliver far-reaching benefits, including:
High-speed Internet connectivity across urban and rural areas.
Fewer call drops and stronger network reliability.
Expanded business opportunities for local Internet providers and startups.
Improved telemedicine, online learning, and remote work potential.
Alignment with the Federal Government’s Dig-Once Policy for sustainable infrastructure development.
A Giant Step Forward
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Plateau a hub of digital innovation and connectivity.
“This is a giant step that will define the future of Plateau State,” he said. “We’re laying the foundation for a connected, modern, and globally competitive Plateau. The digital highway begins here.”
Google has unveiled Gemini Intelligence, a new artificial intelligence initiative designed to transform Android devices into proactive digital assistants capable of completing tasks across apps and services with minimal user input.
The announcement marks Google’s latest move in the intensifying competition among major technology companies seeking to expand AI integration across consumer devices.
Gemini Intelligence introduces what Google describes as “agentic” AI capabilities directly into Android, enabling smartphones to perform actions such as booking appointments, organising shopping lists, navigating applications and completing forms automatically.
The rollout positions Android more directly against Apple’s AI strategy under Apple Intelligence, which the company introduced to bring generative AI capabilities to iPhones, iPads and Mac devices.
Google says Gemini Intelligence combines advanced AI models, Android software and connected hardware to create a more proactive user experience across smartphones, smartwatches, vehicles, laptops and smart glasses.
“It integrates premium hardware and innovative software to help you stay a step ahead by working proactively to get things done throughout your day, all while keeping your data private, and keeping you in control,” Google says.
The company says the new AI capabilities will first launch on Samsung Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 smartphones later this summer before expanding to additional Android devices later in the year.
A key component of the strategy centres on cross-application automation.
According to Google, Gemini Intelligence can complete multi-step tasks across different applications without requiring users to manually switch between services.
The company demonstrated functions including booking a fitness class, locating course information inside Gmail and automatically adding textbooks to an online shopping cart.
Google also showcased screen-aware AI functions capable of interacting with images and visual content displayed on devices.
In one example, users could open a grocery list inside a notes application, activate Gemini and instruct it to create a shopping cart containing all listed items for delivery.
The tech company also demonstrated how users could photograph a travel brochure and ask Gemini to search online for similar tour packages.
The announcement reflects a broader shift within the technology industry towards AI systems designed to perform actions rather than simply generate conversational responses.
Google is also extending Gemini Intelligence into the Chrome browser, where the company says users will gain AI-powered research, summarisation and automation tools.
New “Chrome auto browse” functions expected later this year will allow Gemini to assist with tasks such as booking appointments and reserving parking spaces directly through web interfaces.
The company additionally announced upgrades to Autofill with Google using Gemini’s “Personal Intelligence” capabilities.
According to Google, Android devices will be able to use information from connected applications to automatically complete more complex forms.
The company says the feature will remain optional for users.
“Connecting Gemini to Autofill with Google is strictly opt-in, meaning you choose if and when you want to connect to Gemini – and you can always turn this connection on or off in your settings,” Google says.
Google also introduced Rambler, a new AI-powered speech-to-text feature integrated into Gboard.
The feature is designed to convert natural speech into more polished written communication by filtering pauses, repeated words and conversational filler expressions.
According to Google, Rambler can switch between multiple languages within the same message using Gemini’s multilingual AI models.
“Whether you’re blending English with Hindi or any other combination, Rambler understands the context and the nuance, ensuring your message sounds exactly like you only more polished,” Google says.
The company says audio processed through Rambler is handled in real time and is not stored.
Alongside the software announcements, Google unveiled “Create My Widget,” a generative AI feature that allows users to build custom Android widgets using natural language prompts.
The company says Gemini Intelligence will also introduce updated Android interface elements based on its Material 3 Expressive design system aimed at reducing distractions and improving focus.
“Gemini only acts on your command and stops the moment the task is complete. All that’s left for you is the final confirmation,” Google says.
The expanded AI rollout highlights growing competition among technology companies seeking to position artificial intelligence as the next major interface for smartphones and connected devices.
Alongside Google and Apple, companies including Samsung and Microsoft are also increasing investments in AI-powered consumer technologies as the global smartphone industry shifts towards more integrated generative AI experiences.
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The serenity and peace of Kogot village in Vwang-Vom District, Jos South Local Council Area of Plateau State was on Tuesday night shattered, after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits invaded the community, killing a 78-year-old woman, Ngo Shettu Badung, and her 52-year-old son, Danjuma Badung.
Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, BYM, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, said two other youths, identified as Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were reportedly ambushed and shot dead before the attackers fled into nearby bushes, while several others sustained injuries in the attack.
Tengwong said the attackers struck at about 11:00 p.m. shortly after the military arrested eight local guards in Vwang at Danwal in Ganawuri Chiefdom.
According to the BYM Secretary, the attackers invaded the community at night when the residents had retired for the night and opened fire on the victims, throwing the area into panic as villagers fled for safety.
“People started running when the gunshots began. Residents were terrified because the attack happened late at night.
“By the time they were done and left the village, four people were confirmed dead, including Ngo Shettu Badung, a 78-year-old, and her 52-year-old son, Danjuma Badung. Two other youths, Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were also ambushed and killed by the bandits.
“Several other people were injured as they tried to flee into the bushes for safety,” Tengwong said.
Tengwong, who described the attacks as barbaric and inhuman, lamented that they were part of the continued assaults on innocent indigenous communities in the state.
“The BYM hereby calls on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served, while urging governments at all levels to take decisive steps to end the persistent killings across Plateau communities,” he added.