The UK Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) Digital Access Programme, has marked the inauguration of the Siun Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, a key milestone in efforts to expand digital inclusion and improve connectivity in underserved communities across Nigeria.
The hub is one of ten community-centred connectivity hubs being supported by the UK Government under its Digital Access Programme. Designed around a community-led model, the initiative aims to expand access to affordable internet services, strengthen digital skills, and create economic opportunities for rural and underserved populations, while placing ownership, management and long-term sustainability in the hands of local communities.
The inauguration brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, development partners, youth and women’s groups, as well as representatives of the FCDO and the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI), the programme’s implementing partner.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the UK Government, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnership at the FCDO, described the hub as a demonstration of the power of community ownership in driving sustainable digital transformation.
“Today is about much more than inaugurating a building with connectivity access. It is about celebrating a community-led vision for the future. It demonstrates that when communities are empowered to identify their own challenges and co-create their own solutions, digital transformation becomes more sustainable, inclusive and impactful.”
The newly commissioned facility will provide residents with reliable internet access, digital learning opportunities, and a shared space for skills development, entrepreneurship, education and access to information and services. Built using locally sourced materials and powered by sustainable energy solutions, the hub reflects the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability, resilience and long-term community ownership.
The success of the Siun community hub was driven by strong community participation and the support of traditional leadership. The project benefitted from the commitment and patronage of HRM Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, the Olu of Siun, whose leadership was instrumental in mobilising local participation through the design, construction and operational planning of the facility.
Speaking during the event, HRM Oba Lawrence Odeyinka highlighted the importance of the hub for future generations: “The Siun Digital Hub is critical for youths and market women to gain the skills required in the 21st century. It is a symbolic testament to what can be achieved when members of the community work together. As the hub is commissioned, our commitment to ensuring its lasting operation is guaranteed. May this hub be a beacon of progress to Siun and the entire Egbaland.”
Representing HRM Oba Dr. Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Prof. Ajao Adelekan described the inauguration as “Not just the opening of a building, but the opening of a door of opportunities for members of the community.”
The Siun hub joins a growing network of community connectivity hubs already operating in communities across Kaduna, Kwara, Abia and Ogun States. These centres have been providing internet access, digital literacy training and community learning opportunities, demonstrating the potential of community-led approaches to closing Nigeria’s digital divide.
The Digital Access Programme is part of the UK’s wider partnership with Nigeria to promote meaningful digital access, support digital skills development, strengthen digital inclusion and create opportunities for economic growth. Through investments in policy reform, connectivity innovation, digital literacy and community-centred solutions, the UK Government continues to support efforts to ensure that more Nigerians can participate fully in the digital economy.
As operations commence in Siun, community leaders will continue working together to ensure that the facility remains a vibrant centre for learning, innovation and opportunity, particularly for young people, women and underserved groups within the community.
