In its effort to get information across to the local communities, a Satellite television company, Startimes has completed and handed over satellite television installations in 1000 villages across Nigeria.
This project which would be maintained by Startimes for 5 years in the various villages in Nigeria is a grant from the Chinese government which is implemented by Startimes.
The Chief Operating Officer of Startimes Nigeria, Tunde Aina while speaking with journalists at the handing over ceremony of the projects in Abuja, said the installations would guarantee access to information in those villages.
He said the essence of the project was to grant access to information to disadvantaged people in the society who cannot afford television and other technologies to access information.
He said the solar-powered project would be managed and maintained by Startimes for a period of 5 years.
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His words: “What we are doing today is the completion ceremony of this project, as you know, the project is a grant from Chinese government to the Nigerian people and we will be implementing it. We have installed in 1000 villages across Nigeria, it was completed in May, so this is the formal handing over ceremony from China to Nigeria.
“The essence of this project is that we want to grant access to people who are disadvantaged, who otherwise cannot afford to have access to information. Just like we talk about Communication, we talk about food and others, but this one is on information, people in the villages don’t have light, they cannot afford to buy televisions.
“So, this project is giving access to information, giving access to information, giving channels to watch, they are informed, they are entertained. The project run on 24 hours basis that was why the installations in the communal viewing centres are solar-powered. Startimes would continue to maintain it for 5 years”.
The CEO Startimes, Mr David Zhang in his speech, said the project commenced last year and it has been completed in 1000 villages in Nigeria. He said it would help communities get a better education.
While commending the Nigerian government for giving them the opportunity to embark on the project, he said infrastructure is the bedrock of productivity.
His words: “I am honoured to be here today as we celebrate the achievement of a significant milestone in the access of digital television service in Nigeria. Today, we do handover the 1,000 Digital Television Villages in Nigeria.
“I wish to applaud the Nigeria Government, respective state Governors and officials as well as the Chinese Government for the cooperation, support and guidance that was extended to StarTimes Nigeria being the implementation agency for this project in not only promoting access to digital television across the country but also enhancing people to people cultural exchange.
“Over the past one year, we have gone across the country into different states working with local leaders and communities to successfully implement this project. We have experienced the different cultural aspects of the country and all we have to report is the warm welcome, cooperation and goodwill we received and the great appreciation by the beneficiaries of this project.
“As we handover the 1,000 digital villages in Nigeria, it is our belief that this project is a true testament of what can be achieved in cooperation between Governments and the input of the private sector in promoting the socio-economic and political prosperity of our economies”.
Furthermore, he said “I am happy to report that all the 1,000 digital villages now have fully installed and operational digital television service comprising of two thousand sets of solar power projector TV Systems, one thousand 32-inch digital TV sets, satellite dishes and accessories within public facilities such as Schools, Youth Centres and other public areas in each village. In addition, there are Twenty thousand Satellite TV Terminals including STBs, Satellite dishes and accessories within households across the country who have benefitted from this project.
“In addition, there are over 1,000 maintenance technicians who have acquired specialized skills training in digital television equipment installation and maintenance and who will play a pivotal role in ensuring this project is sustainable in the long term.”
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