Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Hon. Henry Mbachu, member representing Awka South 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, on the platform of Labour Party (LP) said that digital skills have the capacity to keep young people busy and reduce crime.
Mbachu said this in Awka, Anambra State, while providing free Wi-fi to his constituents in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria.
He said that, if the youths embraced digital skills positively it would go a long way to providing them with opportunity to earn decent living.
The lawmaker enjoined the beneficiaries, represented by their village heads from Awka, Okpuno, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Paul University to enjoy modern world which, he said, belonged to the internet world.
He said the Wi-Fi project was part of the revolutions he would bring in the area to make a difference in all communities within his constituency.
Mbachu lamented the growing incidents of crime in the area, and appealed to the youths to take advantage of the internet to engage in electronic business (e-business).
“I am optimistic that this will reduce crimes in this Constituency, ” he said.
He noted that the welfare of the people, particularly that of the youth and the widows should not be the sole responsibility of government.
According to him, there is the need for partnership with the private sector to provide services for the people for the quick development of the state.
He said he had bankrolled Wi-fi services for the people of Awka and Okpuno for a period of one year for a start, subject to renewal.
The honorable member said the free Wi-fi would be installed at Unizik and Paul University communities, 10 Secondary Schools and the 44 village squares in the constituency.
The Lawmaker assured the people of more human developmental projects and good governance, describing the two elements as the hallmark of his party – LP.
“I beg you all the beneficiaries of these projects to make good use of the Wi-fi services so as to benefit from its economic values,” he said.
Speaking, the Airtel representative on the occasion, Mr Jerry Ani, urged the youths to do genuine businesses with the Wi-fi.
He announced that Airtel would launch its 5-G network in Awka in September to boost services.
Dr Nelson Omenugha, Special Adviser to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, on youth matters, commended the initiative of the lawmaker.
He said that Mbachu’s initiative was in line with Soludo’s agenda of making Anambra a digital state.
Mr Innocent Anagor, chairman of Umunuoke village, Awka, in his appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries, urged the lawmaker to keep doing the good work.
“You started with a good plan and the good plan will lead you to a good goal – you will be reelected,” he said.
