Two prominent media advocacy bodies have thrown their weight behind Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her plan to roll out free Wi-Fi across strategic locations in Kogi Central, describing the initiative as a “visionary leap” toward digital inclusion and democratic accountability.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria and Citizen Report Platform said the proposal signals a decisive attempt to bridge Nigeria’s widening digital divide while unlocking opportunities for youths and small businesses.
The groups noted that the senator’s announcement, made after stakeholder engagement in Idah Local Government Area, underscores a practical commitment to transform grassroots ideas into policy action. According to them, the plan to partner with internet providers and deploy infrastructure in key locations “soon” reflects readiness for execution rather than rhetoric.
They stressed that beyond connectivity, the initiative could reshape economic and civic participation in the district by enabling digital entrepreneurship, remote work, and access to global education resources. The organisations added that improved internet access would also strengthen community storytelling and amplify local voices through citizen journalism.
Crucially, the media bodies linked the project to Nigeria’s forthcoming 2027 Nigerian general elections, arguing that free Wi-Fi hotspots could play a decisive role in election transparency. They said real-time reporting from polling units, live result transmission, and digital monitoring tools would help curb malpractice and reinforce public trust in the electoral process.
“The initiative aligns squarely with media development goals and democratic accountability,” the statement said, noting that enhanced connectivity would expand the operational scope of independent media and citizen reporters.
The groups also commended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call for collaboration among Kogi’s senatorial districts, describing it as a model capable of fostering unity and development rather than rivalry.
They pledged to support the initiative’s implementation, urged telecom operators to partner in its execution, and called on communities to contribute to identifying optimal hotspot locations—particularly around polling centres.
APPMEN’s National Coordinator, Chief Precious Enebuse, and Citizen Report’s Executive Director, Princess Gandy, who jointly signed the statement, affirmed that the project represents “forward-thinking leadership” capable of positioning Kogi Central at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
They added that sustained media tracking and public engagement would be critical to ensuring the initiative delivers on its promise ahead of 2027.
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