Calabar Emerges First Nigerian Digital City

Calabar, the capital of
Cross River State has become Nigeria’s first digital city following the completion of installation of its metropolitan dark fibre optic network infrastructure.
This feat was accomplished via a partnership between the Cross River State Government and telecommunications giant, MTN.
The infrastructure which consists 120km of 96 core fibre cable and open access ducts spans the length and breadth of the entire city of Calabar.
Calabar thus becomes the most comprehensively wired city for voice, data and video telecommunications and various technology driven services in the country.
Special Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke on Information, Communications and Technology Development, Mr. Odo Effiong, said the infrastructure would not only facilitate improved telecommunication services but also offer a variety of technology driven services and improvements, including access to information on tourism, innovation, security, transportation, education, health care, land title, social services, financial inclusion, entertainment etc.
“The installed infrastructure is an important installment of His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke’s vision of non-oil, service-driven economy for the state. The development of ‘Calabar Smart City’ is a significant component of Cross River State building on its foundation as the nation’s tourist destination as it seeks to become the business and lifestyle destination as well,” Effiong said.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Team leader, students of the National Defence College 23 Geostrategic Abuja, Brig. Gen. Muhammad Aliyu (right) presenting a souvenir to the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, HM King Godwin N. K. Gininwa (left) during a courtesy visit by Defence College to the council in Port Harcourt
Photo: Chris Monyanaga