News
Plateau State Signs MoU to Establish Fibre Optic Infrastructure, Ushers in Digital Transformation
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.”
USA-based sprinter Blessing Ogundiran overcame travel disruptions and an exhausting four-day journey from the United States to emerge as Nigeria’s fastest woman after winning the women’s 100m title at the Commonwealth Games Trials in Lagos on Monday.
Competing at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Ogundiran produced a brilliant run of 11.12 seconds (-0.5m/s) to claim victory in a highly competitive final and secure the national crown.
Read Also: President Federation Cup: FC Robo Queens Eye Historic Final Spot Against Heartland Queens in Benin
The newly crowned champion revealed after the race that her preparation for the event was far from ideal, having endured a lengthy trip caused by weather-related challenges in the United States.
“It was a tough time getting here after traveling for almost four days due to what happened in the US (storm), but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title,” Ogundiran said.
She added that the advice from her coach before the race played a key role in helping her stay composed under pressure.
“When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me—that I should just execute my race and not panic—and that was exactly what I did.”
Ogundiran was pushed all the way by the impressive Miracle Ezechukwu, who clocked a personal best of 11.15 seconds to finish second.
Her performance also earned her qualification for the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize, an initiative established to reward outstanding performances by home-based athletes.
Another USA-based sprinter, Olayinka Olajide, completed the podium places with a time of 11.28 seconds.
Ezechukwu’s remarkable run received special praise from Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, the initiator of the Excellence in Athletics Prize.
“This is exactly what the Excellence in Athletics Prize was created to achieve – to inspire our athletes to push beyond limits and believe in their abilities,” Aghazu said.
“Seeing Miracle Ezechukwu achieve the benchmark with a personal best performance is rewarding. It shows that when athletes are given motivation and a platform to compete, they respond positively.”
Aghazu reiterated her commitment to supporting athletes based in Nigeria and hailed the overall quality of competition on display.
“Our home-based athletes are incredibly talented. They deserve recognition, encouragement and opportunities to excel.
The Excellence in Athletics Prize is about celebrating hard work, dedication and excellence, and today’s performances have justified that vision.”
Elsewhere, Olympian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi claimed the men’s shot put title with a throw of 21.46m, securing the national crown for the fifth consecutive time since representing Nigeria, while Oyesade Oyetayo won the men’s hammer throw with 65.07m.
The men’s 100m competition also gathered momentum, with Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin, and Enoch Adegoke all progressing to Tuesday’s semifinals and final after winning their respective heats.
In the 400m semifinals, top contenders including Patience Okon-George, IyanuOluwa Aderemi (51.86s PB), Taiwo Kudoro, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinter Lawrence, and Becky Ebiyadi booked places in the women’s final.
In the men’s category, Emmanuel Ojeli, Sikiru Adeyemi, Victor Sampson, Samson Nathaniel, Victory Achakpoekri, and Tyler Johnson advanced to the final.
The final day of the trials will feature the men’s and women’s 200m finals, the 400m finals, as well as the 100m and 110m hurdles events.
The event attracted several athletics legends and stakeholders, including Mary Onyali, Solomon Ogba, Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, Hameed Adio, Gloria Obajimi and Emilia Edet, who witnessed another memorable chapter in Nigeria’s growing athletics resurgence.
BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Ondo State Police Command under the proactive leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu psc, mnips, mspsp has successfully foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area of the State, rescuing all victims involved and forcing the fleeing criminals to abandon their mission following swift and coordinated security operations.
The incidents, which occurred within a few hours of each other on Sunday, 21st June, 2026, underscore the Command’s proactive operational readiness and the effectiveness of ongoing efforts aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
The first incident occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when the Police received a distress call indicating that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him. Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilized and led a patrol team to the scene.
Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The superior tactical response and determination of the Police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan. The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection.
In a related development later that same night, at about 11:10 p.m., another armed gang attacked one Daniel Ologun, a 39-year-old resident of Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo. During the attack, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg while the assailants forcefully took his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, aged 34 years, and their two young children, aged four and two years respectively, into the bush.
Upon receiving information about the incident, the Police immediately launched a rescue operation. The rapid deployment of operatives and sustained pressure mounted on the fleeing kidnappers disrupted their movement and compelled them to abandon the Mr Daniel Ologun. In a coordinated search-and-rescue effort involving the Police and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ologun and her two children were later successfully rescued unhurt from the assailants who escaped with gunshot injurieat about 1:50 a.m.
The injured victim was promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment.
Meanwhile, joint security teams comprising Police operatives and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations in the affected areas and adjoining forests with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling any criminal hideouts within the axis. Efforts are ongoing to track down all members of the criminal gangs involved in the attacks and bring them to justice.
CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed that the rescued victims be immediately debriefed to obtain additional information that may assist ongoing investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects. Afterwhich all rescued victims be reunited with their families while ensuring that necessary security measures are put in place for their continued safety and well-being.
The CP commends the bravery and swift response of the operatives involved in both operations, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army and members of the public who provided timely information that aided the successful rescue missions.
The post Ondo Police Foil Two Kidnap Attempts in Owo, Rescue Victims and Family Members appeared first on Business Today NG.
-
News4 days ago‘It’s in our constitution’ – NDC justifies anti-defection policy
-
News3 days ago
BREAKING: Ekiti 2026: ADC wins first polling unit
-
News4 days ago
APC council officials accuse Osun govt of fueling fresh political crises
-
News4 days ago
JUST IN: Shettima Visits NIPSS in Plateau for Assessment After Gunmen Attack
