By Ovasa Ogaga,
Residents and indigenes of Obi-Ayagha Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have begun enjoying free 24-hour broadband internet connectivity following the inauguration of a community-wide internet service facilitated by the Member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Rev.) Francis Ejiroghene Waive.
The latest intervention, which provides unrestricted broadband internet access to residents around the clock, adds to a growing list of educational, healthcare, infrastructure and empowerment projects executed by the federal lawmaker in the community. The initiative is expected to enhance digital learning, improve access to online information and create new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and residents.
The broadband service complements the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre earlier facilitated by Waive in the community, reinforcing his commitment to bridging the digital divide between rural and urban communities.
Community members said the lawmaker's interventions have transformed Obi-Ayagha over the years, particularly in education. They recalled that Waive single-handedly built the community's secondary school before it was eventually taken over by the Delta State Government.
Despite the government's takeover, they noted that the federal lawmaker has continued to shoulder critical responsibilities, including the payment of salaries for all privately engaged teachers from the inception of the school to date, as well as providing residential accommodation for the school principal.
The interventions, according to residents, have also extended to the community's primary school, where pupils have consistently received free educational materials, including school uniforms, exercise books, school bags and sandals to encourage enrolment and improve learning conditions.
Beyond education, Obi-Ayagha has witnessed major improvements in healthcare under Waive's representation. Last year, the lawmaker completed the construction of a Cottage Hospital for the community, which is currently being processed to operate as an outreach centre of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ovwian.
Residents believe the healthcare facility will significantly improve access to quality medical services and reduce the burden of travelling long distances for basic healthcare.
In the area of rural infrastructure, Waive is also credited with restoring electricity to Obi-Ayagha in 2019 after the community had remained disconnected from the national grid for more than eight years.
To strengthen electricity management, the federal lawmaker recently purchased a bulk prepaid meter for the community to improve power distribution and billing efficiency.
His rural electrification efforts further include the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the community, a project residents described as one of the best rural lighting initiatives in the area, improving security and enhancing nightlife.
The lawmaker has equally maintained a long-standing tradition of supporting residents during the Christmas season through annual donations of cows and bags of rice, bringing relief to families and promoting communal celebrations.
Youth development has also featured prominently in Waive's interventions. Young people in Obi-Ayagha now have access to recreational facilities, including tennis and snooker equipment provided by the federal legislator, while numerous residents have benefited from various empowerment programmes.
Beneficiaries, according to community sources, have received motorcycles, sewing machines, agricultural loans, COVID-19 intervention grants and other forms of economic support designed to improve livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
Several indigenes have also secured employment opportunities in the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through Waive's facilitation, further expanding opportunities for the community's youths.
Residents who spoke on the latest broadband initiative described Waive as a responsive representative whose interventions have continued to impact virtually every sector of community life, including education, healthcare, digital connectivity, electricity, youth empowerment and employment.
Many expressed appreciations for what they described as consistent grassroots development, saying the free broadband internet service marks another milestone in the community's journey towards improved access to technology and socio-economic development.
