 The Aleppo of Ewa, Obaa, and Tewali of Shiberu. Honour guests, ladies and gentlemen, today is one of my proudest days as a citizen of Ogun State, because today, Ogun State has taken the leadership in digital technology in Nigeria by this first of its kind, massive investment in digital infrastructure in our great state. So we're not just talking about the future and its challenges and opportunities. We are, by the launch of the Ogun State Digital Economy Empowerment Project, taking hold of the future and we are set to define it in our own terms. Digital technology is the future of all aspects of human existence, business, education, healthcare, governance, security, the practice of practically every profession is either already digitally based or will become so in the coming months and years. Someone said digital technology is to development today what electricity works to development in the 19th and 20th century. So making it available to all our citizens and businesses is the most farsighted action that any government can take today. Indeed, access to broadband and other technology tools have become compulsory for any community that seeks meaningful growth, prosperity and security for its people. So I'd like to commend our futuristic, dynamic, innovative and digitally compliant government. His Excellency, Prince Dapua, we are here for this incredibly relevant initiative. By bringing last month broadband access to homes, businesses and offices in Obun State, you are opening up Obun State residents and businesses digitally, not just across Nigeria but to the entire universe. Your Excellency, this project is a critical component of Mr. President's objective of broadband connectivity for all by 2023. This ambition, as you know, is now enshrined in our economic sustainability plan. And as part of the national commitment to make broadband connectivity available to all, you will recall that in 2017, the state governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council agreed to harmonize the right of way charges payable by telecommunications companies and related public utility infrastructure on local government states and federal highways to encourage coal locations of the company's fiber optic cables. In another demonstration of government's commitment in this regard, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan, which is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum of 25 NBPS in urban areas and 10 NBPS in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population by 2025 at affordable prices. The plan gives special attention to unserved and underserved areas in the distribution of telecom services. Many states have already complied with the right of way policy and they've reduced the rates to as low as 114 Naira per meter. While some states have completely removed the charges, but we must press on in our quest to democratize access to the internet. We are pursuing this course because we recognize that internet access and broadband penetration will become existential in a few short years and will determine our competitiveness in the global economy. So through the judicial's investments in the right infrastructure, urban state has positioned itself to become a major global site of the emergent innovation economy. I believe that bringing the digital divide bridging the digital divide of the state will also lead to improved education outcomes and provide opportunities for improved access to education across the state and at different levels starting from primary all the way to tertiary education. The digital revolution that this project will bring will be a game changer in every aspect of the socio-economic life of the state. Nigeria has blessed some of the brightest and best minds in the global innovation economy and improving access to broadband provides an opportunity for them to take on their peers from across the world on a more level playing field. Once again, I congratulate the urban state government, the governor and their worthy private sector collaborator of the 21st century technologies on this launch. So your excellencies, honored guests, it is now my special pleasure and privilege to formally launch the Digital Economy Empowerment Project for the benefit of the great people, businesses and institutions of the state and the Nigerian people and to the glory of the almighty God. Thank you and God bless the home state and God bless the federal public of Nigeria.