By Angela Nwanodu
The Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, on October 3, addressed members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, during their monthly congress in Awka, where he highlighted the state’s strides in digital transformation and the growing impact of the Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS).
CFA commended the media for their role in shaping narratives and holding leaders accountable, describing them as key partners in Anambra’s digital journey.
He noted that under the administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the state has laid a strong foundation for a digitally driven economy.
He recalled the waiver of Right of Way (RoW) charges in 2022 as the turning point of Anambra’s digital revolution.
“What seemed like a policy decision was in fact the bedrock of Anambra’s digital journey. It opened the door for fibre-to-home deployment, 5G expansion, and faster, more reliable internet across our communities.”
Among other achievements, he listed the Solution WiFi Initiative with 25 free hotspots already live across schools, student lodges, markets, and government institutions, the digitization of EXCO proceedings, deployment of over 5,000 digital devices across MDAs and schools, distribution of laptops to teachers, the adoption of the official state domain anambrastate.gov.ng, the creation of the Anambra Cloud, and the launch of Solution Lens- a civic engagement platform for project tracking.
“These interventions go beyond technology. They are about building a smart, liveable, and prosperous megacity; one that empowers its youth, equips its workers, strengthens its institutions, and ensures no one is left behind.”
Speaking further, CFA, who also convenes the Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), explained that the initiative was designed to merge technology, civic engagement, and grassroots mobilization.
He noted that the Mobile Tech Hub has also become a familiar feature at Governor Soludo’s rallies, where it provides connectivity, fosters networking, and brings the Governor’s vision of a digitally sound state to life.
CFA highlighted some of GEFAS’ interventions such as the deployment of digital hubs and WiFi access points across campuses, campaign grounds, and rural communities.
These, he said, have empowered students, traders, and young people with tools to engage, connect, and participate in the digital economy.
CFA also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the re-election of Governor Soludo while keeping citizens at the heart of governance.
A major highlight of the congress was the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub (GMTH) stationed at the venue, which provided journalists with free, high-speed internet throughout the event.
Reporters were able to browse, stream, and even file their stories in real time, without worrying about data costs.
NUJ members applauded the ICT Agency and GEFAS for demonstrating what digital inclusion truly means and expressed delight at the seamless connectivity that powered their congress.
Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
