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Free Wi-Fi launched for Osun residents and students. |
The Osun State Government has started a new program to give free internet access. The project is called Imole Wi-Fi. It aims to help residents get online more easily. The service is free for everyone in the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke announced the start of the program. He said it is a key part of his plan for a digital Osun. The goal is to close the digital gap between people. It will help students, business owners, and communities.
The first phase of the project is now active. It covers specific public areas in Osun. These include some state government offices. They also include the two state universities. The schools are Osun State University in Osogbo and the University of Ilesa.
A state government official explained the service. Users can connect for free for a set time each day. After that, speeds may slow down. This is to make sure many people can use the network. The official said the system can handle many users at once.
The state commissioner for education welcomed the news. He said it is a big help for students. They can now do research for their studies online. They can access learning materials from anywhere. This supports digital learning across Osun.
Local business owners also see benefits. A shop owner in Osogbo said the free Wi-Fi helps her. She can now market her products on social media. She can also talk to customers without using her mobile data. This saves her money each month.
The government plans to expand the service soon. More towns and public spaces will be added. The next phase will include major markets and libraries. The goal is to cover all parts of the state over time.
State officials said the network is secure. They ask users to avoid sharing private information. Public networks can have risks. The government suggests using the internet for general browsing.
Experts in technology praised the move. A professor from a nearby university called it a good step. He said internet access is a need, not a luxury. It helps people join the modern economy. It gives them access to information and opportunities.
The Osun state government will pay for the project. It is part of the yearly budget for digital projects. The government said it is committed to funding it long-term. This ensures the service remains free for residents.
Other states in Nigeria have tried similar projects. Lagos State launched free Wi-Fi in some areas years ago. The success in Osun will depend on steady maintenance. Keeping the service strong and reliable is important.
Residents are encouraged to use the service for good things. This includes education, business, and communication. The government warns against illegal online activities. Network use is monitored to prevent misuse.
The launch event had many state officials and community leaders. They all agreed on the project's importance. They said it shows the government cares about progress. It helps prepare young people for the future.
People in Osun can find connection spots easily. They can look for the network name "Imole Wi-Fi" on their devices. They then follow simple steps to get online. No password is needed for the basic free service.
This project is one of many from the state government. Others include road repairs and school upgrades. The governor said all these projects are linked. They aim to improve life for every person in Osun.