The Lagos
State Government on Thursday intensified its smart city initiative with the
unveiling of a free public Wi-Fi at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, located at Alausa.
Gov.
Akinwunmi Ambode said at the event that one of the overriding policy objectives
of his administration was to build a globally competitive economy.
The News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology
that provides high-speed internet and network connections.
Ambode,
who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Olufemi
Odubiyi said that the economy of the state was being developed to provide
opportunity for self fulfilment.
He said
that achieving global competitiveness would entail keying into new ways of
doing things and the deployment of technology, especially the internet.
According
to him, the provision of free public Wi-Fi in the park is part of the
administration’s efforts to make Lagos a smart city.
“It is
consistent with our commitment to make Lagos work for all.
“Parks and
gardens have been established in different parts of the state to provide a
conducive environment for recreation and relaxation.
“Just last
week, the number of gardens and parks in the state increased with the opening
of the Badagry Park.
“The
increased patronage of these facilities, which is no longer restricted to
festive season, has made it necessary to equip these centres with free Wi-Fi to
serve the needs of visitors to these parks.
“As you
relax and enjoy the recreation facilities in these parks, we are also making it
possible for you to access your email, browse and search the internet on your
tablets, smartphones and laptops, via a reliable public Wi-Fi,” he said.
Ambode
said the the free Wi-Fi was another landmark in the administration’s desire to
integrate the State’s economy in the mainstream of the 21st century economy.
He said
that recently, the government unveiled the Citizens’ Gate Portal, a platform
designed to bridge the communication gap between the citizens and the state
government.
According
to him, his administration, with the launch of the free public Wi-Fi, has
empowered citizens to express their views on the platform, as non-availability
of data will no longer be a constraint.
“As a
responsive government, I wish to assure all residents of Lagos State of our
commitment to continue to develop and implement innovative ideas that will
promote the delivery of dividends of good governance.
“As I
launch the free public Wi-Fi in this park, it is my belief that this service
will enhance productivity and add value to all our parks and gardens,” he said.
NAN
reports that the free Wi-Fi/internet access project is an initiative of the
Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology.
In his
capacity as the Commissioner, Odubiyi said that the free Wi-Fi/internet access
at park and Gardens was starting from the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, as it would be
extended to others in the State.
He said
the government was creating a safe, healthy and conducive environment for the
residents of Lagos, in line with the Governor’s pledge at the inception of the
administration.
According
to him, the administration has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the
pledge through various programmes, aimed at making the state livable for all
and sundry.
“WiFi is a
facility allowing computers, smartphones and other devices to connect to the
internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.
“One of
the biggest benefits of offering Wi-Fi is that it will provide new ways for the
public to enhance social/leisure activities and this will encourage more
patronage to the parks.
“We are
embarking on providing free public Wi-Fi in our parks and gardens spread across
the states to further enhance social/leisure activities,” Odubiyi said. (NAN)
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