The [Federal Government](https://www.gov.ng/) has warned that inadequate telecommunications in rural communities impede both health services and economic well‑being, a point stressed by the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy [Bosun Tijani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosun_Tijani) while inaugurating the first rural telecom tower in Bende, Bende LGA of Abia State on Friday.
Key facts:
- The government plans to construct about 3,700 tower masts across villages nationwide to address the connectivity gap.
- Tijani noted that patients facing emergencies in remote areas may be unable to obtain timely medical help without a reliable network.
- He appealed to Bende traditional rulers to safeguard the new tower from vandalism.
**What did the Deputy Speaker say?**
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, [Benjamin Kalu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Kalu), said he secured the project to relieve his constituents of long‑standing communication challenges. He praised Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party for not obstructing the initiative and urged local traditional leaders not to deny land for such developments.
Kalu also condemned governors who block opposition members from bringing projects to their states, describing the practice as detrimental to national development.
The rollout of the towers aims to bridge the digital divide, improve emergency response capabilities, and stimulate economic activity in Nigeria’s underserved rural areas.