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Ex-Nigerian minister takes over international initiative to provide cheap internet globally

Former Nigerian minister of Community Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, recently left her position to take up the cause for cheaper internet in developing countries as the new chair of the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), announced in a press statement.

The A4AI focuses its efforts on driving down high broadband prices for mobile and fixed-line internet in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to the alliance, Dr Johnson will lead strategic policy guidance and high level international advocacy efforts within the A4AI. She takes over from outgoing chair, Dr Bitange Ndemo, who served from 2013 to 2014.

Dr Omobola Johnson

She brings to the table over 30 years of experience gained in the private and public ICT sector, and has previously worked to create and implement policies to enable affordable internet in Nigeria during her four-year ministerial term which also saw the percentage of internet users in the country nearly double from 24% to 43%, and Nigeria becoming the first African country to join A4AI in 2013.

“I’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of the web to improve health, education, economic and development outcomes, particularly for women and rural populations, and I’ve also seen how smart, collaborative policy-making can drive prices down fast. Now, I’m excited to be able to use my experience and networks to accelerate the progress A4AI is already making,” Dr Johnson said about her new role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Omobola Johnson to the A4AI team. A long-time advocate of universal and affordable Internet access and active supporter of the Alliance’s work since our launch in 2013, Dr. Johnson brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in the ICT field. We look forward to working together with Dr. Johnson to advance our work and goal of making affordable broadband for all a reality, and have no doubt she will make a significant contribution,” commented A4AI executive director Sonia Jorge.

[Image – CC 2.0 by mikael altemark]

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