By Stanley Nwanosike
No fewer than 120 youths from 17 local government areas of Enugu State are undergoing training on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation, configuration, maintenance and enterprise in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day training is organised by the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), in partnership with Enugu SME Centre, and Enugu State Office of Digital Economy.
The initiative is part of Federal Government’s NIGCOMSAT Youth Empowerment Programme.
It is tagged: “Strengthening Last Mile Connectivity: VSAT Capacity Building for Enugu State Communities”.
In his address, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said that the training aligns with NIGCOMSAT’s mandate of bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.
Egerton-Idehen, who was represented by NIGCOMSAT’s Head of Sales, Mr Ibiye Ukoko, said that the agency bridges the nation’s digital divide, by extending secure, and affordable satellite-based connectivity to underserved communities.
She noted that NIGCOMSAT remained the backbone of national digital infrastructure and a key enabler of the country’s Digital Economy Policy.
“This programme is a core part of our mission to build a digitally empowered and future-ready Enugu State.
“By equipping these youths with VSAT skills, we are strengthening the state’s capacity to deploy satellite connectivity across communities where terrestrial infrastructure is weak or nonexistent,” she said.
She explained that NIGCOMSAT supports broadband expansion by delivering high-availability internet to remote areas, providing backhaul services for telecom operators, and powering critical sectors.
She added that VSAT-based connectivity will improve e-governance, bolster e-learning and telemedicine, support SMEs and digital businesses, as well as provide resilient communication infrastructure.
Also speaking at the training, Special Adviser to Gov. Peter Mbah on SMEs and Digital Economy, Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, applauded NIGCOMSAT for investing in Enugu’s human capital.
The Special Adviser, who was represented by Senior Programmes Manager at the Enugu SME Centre, Mr Salem Emmanuel, described the initiative as a strategic step in empowering the state’s youth with globally competitive digital skills.
“This programme is more than a training; It is a gateway to future opportunities.
“Under the leadership of Gov. Peter Mbah, Enugu remains committed to bridging the digital divide and building a workforce ready for tomorrow’s digital economy,” he said.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, adding that the knowledge gained will afford them a fast-expanding connectivity in the ICT services sector.
NAN reports that the training is expected to end on Nov. 28. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sandra Umeh
