Telecoms service providers need to invest more in rural connectivity – Dr. Ajala
By: Janet Oye – Asiyan
The Vice Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Professor Lateef Oladimeji says effective collaboration and partnership between government agencies, telecom providers, and other stakeholders is crucial for the success of digital agriculture.
Prof. Oladimeji made the call at a One-day validation workshop on Regulatory and Policy Frameworks for Universal Access to Telecoms to enhance Digital Agriculture in rural areas in Kwara State held at the University’s Nursing Complex in Ilorin.
The Vice Chancellor noted that exploring regulatory and policy frameworks for universal access to telecoms can unlock the potential of digital agriculture and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers.
The DIGISOL Project Director and Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State , Professor Christopher Eze, identified several challenges hindering the progress of digital agriculture, including inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy rates, and affordability issues.
He called for policies that promote universal access to telecoms and digital agriculture, and providing training and capacity-building programs for farmers.
The Coordinator, DigiSol Project Al-Hikmah University, Dr. Tajudeen Ajala tasked telecoms service providers to invest more in rural connectivity, support digital literacy programs, foster partnerships that drive innovation and access to transform the lives of rural communities as well as promote sustainable agricultural development.
Dr. Ajala emphasized that providing farmers with real-time information on weather forecasts, market prices, and best practices could improve their livelihoods.
He also highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships and connecting farmers to markets to enhance their bargaining power.
Contributing, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore emphasized that enhanced internet access in rural areas is critical to unlocking the full potential of agriculture, including smallholder farmers and women-led agribusinesses.
He noted that the State is already laying the groundwork through strategic collaborations, digital extension services, and support for youth-driven agri-tech innovations.
“Our agenda goes beyond providing internet access; it is about building an intelligent, integrated agricultural system where every farmer, regardless of location, can access timely information, tools, and markets.” he said
Dr. Abolore said the present administration remains resolute in integrating digital inclusion as a driver of rural transformation and agricultural resilience, positioning Kwara as a forward-thinking model for sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
Al-Hikmah DIGISOL Project Team Member, Dr. Saida Onikosi-Alliyu, highlighted the potential of digital finance to provide women and youth with access to financial services, enabling them to invest in their farms and businesses as well as improve their livelihoods.
She called on governments and organizations to implement policies and programs that promote digital financial inclusion for women and youth.
The Digisol Telecoms expert, Dr. Emmanuel Amadi recommended that ICT policy documents should be made public, investments in digital agriculture be increased, and state-level commitment to digital agriculture should be strengthened.
The event had in attendance Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo; State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju; Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Al-Hikmah University, Dr. Sikiru Nurudeen; Registrar , Dr. Kazeem Oladimeji and Acting Librarian, Alh. Isiaka Alao.
