On February 6, Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI) successfully inaugurated the Olayinka Community Connectivity Hub in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The launch marks a significant milestone under the Community Self-Built Sustainable Connectivity Hub Project to establish ten digital hubs in selected underserved communities across Nigeria that is sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK government.

Under the project, broadband connectivity and complementary renewable energy infrastructure are installed to provide uninterrupted access to the internet, digital tools, and learning opportunities. 

While IDI facilitated the project, the Olayinka Community Development Association (OCDA) played an equally critical role by mobilizing the constituent community groups, coordinating the construction and installation of infrastructure, and ensuring local ownership.

A Community-Centered Milestone

The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Royal Majesty, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda (Asamun of Olayinka), members of the traditional council, OCDA representatives, religious leaders, youths, women, and students — reflecting strong community ownership of and collaboration on the project.

Prior to the formal commissioning, IDI engaged key stakeholders through courtesy visits and interviews, reinforcing community participation, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

Immediate Impact from Day One

The hub had already been operational prior to the formal inauguration, allowing community members to experience its benefits firsthand. The solar-powered facility worked seamlessly, laptops connected successfully, and community members accessed the Wi-Fi hotspot on their personal devices.

Since its launch, the hub has quickly become a vibrant digital access point:

• Students are using it to complete assignments and access online learning resources.
• Entrepreneurs are exploring digital platforms to grow their businesses.
• Residents are communicating with loved ones within Nigeria and abroad.
• Individuals from neighbouring communities are also visiting to benefit from the connectivity.

One inspiring example is Evangelist Mrs. Grace Olutayo, who regularly visits the hub to learn how to grow and scale her business using online resources. Several students also described the facility as their new academic support centre, highlighting the hub’s immediate economic and educational impact.

A Practical Facilitation of Digital Inclusion

The Olayinka Community Connectivity Hub is more than a physical structure — it is a gateway to opportunity, learning, and social development. By combining broadband internet access, renewable energy, and robust local partnerships, the project is helping to close the digital divide and unlock social and economic potential for the community.

In the coming weeks, IDI will facilitate periodic digital skills trainings over eight weeks and will monitor and evaluate the use and management of the hub to ensure sustainable usage, accountability, and measurable impact.

The successful launch in Olayinka reinforces IDI’s commitment, sponsored by FCDO and in partnership with OCDA, to build inclusive digital ecosystems that empower communities and create lasting change.