
The Edo State Government has announced its intention to offer round-the-clock, complimentary Wi-Fi service in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other public locations within the state. This initiative aims to ensure that workers have unrestricted access to the internet despite the implementation of a three-day weekly work schedule for civil and public servants.
The provision of free internet access is part of the government’s strategy to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal imposed by the Federal Government. Anthony Okungbowa, the Head of Service for Edo State, emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting optimal productivity and efficiency under the new work schedule. He stated that the free Wi-Fi service will grant workers and individuals residing near the designated locations covered by the service with complimentary internet connectivity, enabling them to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
According to Okungbowa, the designated sites where free Wi-Fi has been installed include the School of Nursing on Limit Road/Sapele Road, the Pensions Bureau at Ring Road Roundabout, the Victor Uwaifo Centre on Airport Road, the Civil Service Commission on Sapele Road, and the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) on Central area Road/Igbinedion Road.
Furthermore, Okungbowa added that each of these locations offers an approximately 180-degree coverage range for the Wi-Fi service.
“The Edo State Government is launching 24-hour free Wi-Fi service in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other public places across the State to provide unlimited internet connectivity to our workers in light of the recent three-day weekly work schedule being implemented by the state government as part of the measures to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
“In our commitment to the welfare of our workers and ensuring optimal productivity and efficiency amid the new work schedule, we recognize the importance of internet access in enabling our workers to carry out their duties effectively as all our services have been digitalised in the State through the e-gov platform.
“Therefore, we have taken the step to provide free WiFi service, which guarantees internet connectivity to workers and others who rely on the internet to perform their tasks and reside in proximity to the designated locations covered under this service.
“The service is currently available in different locations within the state, including the School of Nursing along Limit Road/Sapele Road, the Pensions Bureau at Ring Road Roundabout, the Victor Uwaifo Centre on Airport Road, the Civil Service Commission on Sapele Road, and JOOPSA situated in the Central Area Road/Igbinedion Road vicinity. Each of these sites offers approximately 180 degrees coverage from the point of presence.”
“While we encourage all workers and individuals residing near the designated locations to take full advantage of this free internet access service, we reaffirm the Edo State Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for our workers, and assure that the government will continue to explore innovative solutions to support workers’ productivity and welfare.”