Enugu: No fewer than 120 youths from 17 local government areas of Enugu State are undergoing training on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation, configuration, maintenance, and enterprise in the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the five-day training is organised by the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), in partnership with Enugu SME Centre, and Enugu State Office of Digital Economy.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s NIGCOMSAT Youth Empowerment Programme, tagged ‘Strengthening Last Mile Connectivity: VSAT Capacity Building for Enugu State Communities’. In his address, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, highlighted that the training aligns with NIGCOMSAT’s mandate of bridging Nigeria’s digital divide. Represented by NIGCOMSAT’s Head of Sales, Mr Ibiye Ukoko, she emphasized the agency’s role in extending secure and affordable satellite-based connectivity to underserved communities.
Egerton-Idehen pointed out that NIGCOMSAT is the backbone of national digital infrastructure and a key enabler of the country’s Digital Economy Policy. She noted that the programme is essential in building a digitally empowered and future-ready Enugu State by equipping youths with VSAT skills, thereby strengthening the state’s capacity to deploy satellite connectivity in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking.
She further explained that NIGCOMSAT supports broadband expansion by delivering high-availability internet to remote areas, providing backhaul services for telecom operators, and powering critical sectors. She added that VSAT-based connectivity will enhance e-governance, support e-learning and telemedicine, bolster SMEs and digital businesses, and provide resilient communication infrastructure.
Special Adviser to Gov. Peter Mbah on SMEs and Digital Economy, Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, also spoke at the training, applauding NIGCOMSAT for investing in Enugu’s human capital. Represented by Senior Programmes Manager at the Enugu SME Centre, Mr Salem Emmanuel, Chilo-Offiah described the initiative as a strategic step in empowering the state’s youth with globally competitive digital skills. He urged participants to fully engage with the programme, highlighting that the knowledge gained will provide them with opportunities in the fast-expanding ICT services sector.