In Bayan Loco Albarka, Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the internet existed — but it was limited and out of reach for most. Youth could not meaningfully access online learning. Women could not consistently grow their businesses. Farmers made critical decisions without reliable digital tools. Persons with disabilities faced yet another barrier to “equal opportunity”.
This was before.
On February 3, 2026, that changed.
The community gathered to inaugurate the Bayan Loco Albarka Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub — powered by green energy and equipped with a satellite internet kit and laptops. Women of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), led by Mrs. Sarah Etham, Chairperson of the hub, did not just witness the process — they led it. They hold key leadership positions in the hub’s management team, ensuring it is run with accountability and long-term community ownership at its core.
This project was sponsored by the United Kingdom Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) under the Digital Access Programme (DAP) and facilitated by Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI) in collaboration with Fantsuam Foundation, the hub was built with and by the community — and the ownership stays with the people of Bayan Loco Albarka.
Inclusion was built into every layer of the project. Prior to commissioning, a wheelchair ramp and other disability-inclusive design features were installed to ensure the hub is physically accessible to all. Sign-language interpretation was provided during the inauguration so persons with disabilities could fully participate. And beyond the event itself, persons with disabilities hold representation in the hub’s governance committees — making inclusion not a gesture, but a structure.
Traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth, women, farmers, and persons with disabilities all showed up. A representative of His Royal Highness, the Agwam Fantswam, the Imam of Kafanchan Central Mosque Alhaji Mami, the Jema’a Welfare Association, and the Bayan Loco Development Association all showed up — Christians and Muslims, traditional and civic leaders, standing together in shared commitment to one goal. The Executive Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, formally received the hub on behalf of the community and commended the initiative for its alignment with Kaduna State’s agenda on skills acquisition and youth empowerment. He pledged government’s full support and announced a personal donation towards sustaining and growing the hub.
The difference is already visible.
The hub opens pathways to online learning, diploma programmes, examination registration, and online exams. Persons with hearing impairments can now access learning resources, register online, and apply for degree programmes. Farmers have weather updates and real-time market prices at their fingertips. Entrepreneurs have a real pathway into remote work and digital entrepreneurship. Youth have skills training and online learning finally within reach.
Eight weeks of free digital skills training within the hub will give residents the practical foundation to learn, earn, and grow in the digital economy.
And for Ms. Grace Uma-Martins — a person with disability and cybersecurity enthusiast — the hub is personal. She noted that reliable internet, online training, and access to advanced digital resources will strengthen her expertise, accelerate her career, and expand her participation in the digital economy. Grace is not a beneficiary in the abstract. She is what this investment looks like when it reaches the right person.
That is the impact of Bayan Loco Albarka’s connectivity hub, and it is only the beginning.
📸 See pictures below for more…
Hon. Tanko Dogara, Executive Chairman, Jema’a LGA, cutting the ribbon at the inauguration of the Bayan Loco Albarka Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub
Osondu Nwokoro – IDI delivering the opening speech at the inauguration ceremony of the Bayan Loco Albarka Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub
The Executive Chairman of Jema’a LGA being introduced to the digital devices by an IDI representative during the inauguration of the Bayan Loco Albarka Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub
Osondu Nwokoro- IDI in a meeting with the management team of the Bayan Loco Albarka Community Self-Built Connectivity Hub, which include 2 persons with disabilities
Starlink dish installation at Bayan Loco Community Connectivity Hub, Kaduna State
Bayan Loco Albarka Community Self Built Connectivity Hub Sign Post