The UK Government, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) Digital Access Programme, has inaugurated a community-built connectivity hub in Siun, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, as part of efforts to extend affordable internet access and digital opportunities to underserved communities.
The Siun Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub, inaugurated on September 2, is one of 10 community-centred connectivity hubs supported by the UK Government under the programme.
Unlike conventional connectivity projects, the initiative places communities at the centre of the development and operation of the facilities, with local residents expected to take ownership and responsibility for their long-term management and sustainability.
The hubs are designed to provide affordable internet access, digital skills training and shared spaces for education, entrepreneurship and access to public and other essential services.
Speaking on behalf of the UK Government, Grace Bell, First Secretary for Economic Partnership at the FCDO, said the Siun project demonstrated how community ownership could make digital inclusion more sustainable.
“Today is about much more than inaugurating a building with connectivity access. It is about celebrating a community-led vision for the future,” Bell said.
She said empowering communities to identify their challenges and develop solutions could make digital transformation more inclusive and impactful.
Community ownership at the centre
The Siun hub was built with locally sourced materials and powered by sustainable energy solutions, reflecting the programme’s focus on resilience and environmental sustainability.
Its development also received support from traditional leaders and community members, who participated in the design, construction and operational planning of the facility.
The Olu of Siun, HRM Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, said the facility would be particularly important for young people and market women seeking to acquire digital skills.
“The Siun Digital Hub is critical for youths and market women to gain the skills required in the 21st century,” he said, adding that the community was committed to ensuring the facility remained operational.
Representing the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Dr. Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, Prof. Ajao Adenekan described the facility as “not just the opening of a building, but the opening of a door of opportunities” for the community.
Part of wider rural connectivity network
The Siun hub joins similar community connectivity centres in Kaduna, Kwara, Abia and Ogun states, which are providing internet access, digital literacy training and community learning opportunities.
The UK Government said the projects are intended to demonstrate the potential of community-led models in addressing Nigeria’s digital divide, particularly in areas where conventional connectivity infrastructure and services remain limited.
Through the Digital Access Programme, the UK is supporting Nigeria in areas including policy reform, connectivity innovation, digital literacy and community-centred digital solutions.
With operations now commencing in Siun, the facility is expected to serve as a shared centre for learning, entrepreneurship, innovation and access to digital services, with particular emphasis on young people, women and other underserved groups.
