Digital Communications Tower Commissioned in Bende, Abia State

New Digital Infrastructure in Bende On 16 October 2026, a digital telecommunications tower was officially commissioned along the Umuahia‑Ohafia Road in Bende, a town in Abia State. The installation marks the end of a long period during which residents had to travel kilometres to find a signal for basic phone calls.

Deputy Speaker Leads the Initiative The project is credited to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and representative of the Bende Federal Constituency. Kalu has a record of channeling federal resources to his constituency, including roads, hospitals, schools and business grants. His approach has been described as redirecting opportunities from Abuja to local communities.

National Universal Communications Access Programme (NUCAP) The tower is part of the National Universal Communications Access Programme, a federal initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. NUCAP aims to deploy around 3,700 renewable‑energy powered telecom towers in rural, riverine and hard‑to‑reach areas that are underserved by commercial networks.

Bende Chosen Over Major Cities In a decision that surprised many, Bende was selected for the first phase of the programme rather than larger urban centres such as Lagos or Abuja. The choice reflects the programme’s focus on bridging digital divides in smaller communities.

Impact on Local Development Prior to the tower, Bende’s limited connectivity had hampered commercial and social activities. With reliable mobile and broadband access now available, residents can expect improved communication, easier access to information, and new opportunities for local businesses. The project is expected to support the broader development goals that Kalu has pursued in the constituency.

Future Plans While the article does not detail subsequent phases, the NUCAP framework suggests that additional towers will be added across similar underserved regions. The renewable‑energy aspect of the towers aims to ensure sustainability and reduce operational costs.

Conclusion The commissioning of the telecom tower in Bende represents a significant step toward digital inclusion for the town’s residents. By leveraging federal programmes and local leadership, Bende has secured a critical infrastructure asset that will likely spur economic and social progress in the coming years.