Imole Wi-Fi: Osun Residents Lament Lack Of Access To Information, Poor Connectivity
- We Will Address Concerns – Adeleke’s Aide
Residents of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, have urged the Osun State Government to provide more information on how the Imole Free Wi-Fi it launched recently, would be accessed.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, the residents said they have not been able to fully access the Governor Ademola Adeleke’s highly publicised Imole Free Wi-Fi project.
The residents who noted that they were eager to enjoy the Imole Free Wifi, urged the state government to simplify the process of accessing the network.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the initiative was launched on September 8, with promises of boosting internet access for youths and businesses in the state capital. Government announcements listed hotspots across the city.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, some shoppers at Osun Mall said it was their first time hearing about Imole Wi-Fi.
Others noted that even though the Imole Free Wifi was displaying on their phones, they were not able to connect to it due to a lack of knowledge on the process.
“We’ve not used any free Wi-Fi here. In fact, this is my first time hearing about it. I will be great if it is working oooo. I will learn more about it and hopefully, when I come back next time, I will he able to access and use it,” a shopper who gave her name as Modupe told OSUN DEFENDER.
Another shopper, Lukman Idris while lauding the state government for the initiative, called for more information on how to access it.
He said: “It is a laudable initiative and kudos to the state government on this. However, the information on how to use the Free Wifi is not enough. The Ministry in charge should endeavour to provide more information on how to use it.”
At the Osun State Library, which was also tied to the government’s announcement, a staff member admitted that the Wi-Fi “comes on.”
However, a library user who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said he was scared of using the Free WiFi because of the information he had concerning the requirements to access it.
The library user who does not want his name in print said he was scared of connecting to the WiFi because he feared that the state government would have access to his data if he provided the required information for connecting to the network.
When told that the state government has explained that the request for NIN was a standard procedure required to align with National Identity Management objectives and to protect people from misuse of free internet access, and that people’s personal data cannot be stored or shared, the library user said he was unaware of such information.
“I wanted to use the WiFi, but what I heard was that with the information we are to provide, the state government will have access to our data, and that is why I didn’t bother to connect to it.
“I didn’t know that they’ve spoken out on that. Information is key. It is only when the right information is out that we residents will know what is happening,” he said.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy, Mr Azeez Badmus, said his office would continue to sensitise the residents on how to access the Free Wifi.
Badmus said the WiFi is working at the announced locations, adding that the state government is working to extend the locations to allow more residents to benefit from the initiative.
The governor’s aide also urged residents to listen to naysayers, particularly the opposition people spreading misinformation about the free WiFi.
Badmus said, “As a government, we will continue to sensitise our people on how to access the Free Wifi. The initiative is for Osun people and we want them to enjoy it.
“We will intensify efforts to let people know how to access it and I want to assure you that we are working on how to extend the locations for the WiFi so that more Osun people will benefit from it.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our people not to listen to the misinformation being spread around by the opposition that the state government is saving their data. The NIN is to guide against the misuse of the free internet. Our people should continue to enjoy the initiative.”
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
