The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has donated a Starlink internet facility to his native Bendeghe Ekim community in Etung Local Government Area, in a move aimed at expanding digital access and promoting connectivity among residents.
The initiative, a personal, non-profit intervention by the Commissioner, is designed to provide free high-speed internet services to the community as part of his commitment to grassroots development and in support of the People First philosophy of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s Season of Sweetness administration.
The Starlink facility has been installed at the Cocoa Roundabout in Upmarket Bendeghe Ekim and is expected to provide reliable internet coverage within a radius of approximately 300 to 400 metres, allowing hundreds of residents to access the service free of charge.
Confirming the development, the Supervisor for Due Process in Etung Local Government Council, Hon. Bitty Takim Obibia, who coordinates the Commissioner’s Free Internet Browsing Initiative, said the facility is fully operational and that members of the community have already commenced enjoying the free internet service.
According to Obibia, the intervention reflects Dr. Ayuk’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life of his people through practical and sustainable community-driven initiatives.
He noted that beyond enhancing communication, the facility will provide students, teachers, researchers, entrepreneurs, business owners and other residents with seamless access to educational resources, digital services, e-commerce opportunities and information essential for socio-economic advancement.
Obibia further stated that the people of Bendeghe Ekim deeply appreciate the Commissioner’s continued investment in the development of the community, describing the donation as yet another demonstration of his unwavering sense of responsibility and gratitude to the people who have consistently supported him and the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
The free internet initiative is expected to strengthen digital inclusion in the community by bridging connectivity gaps and empowering residents to participate more effectively in today’s knowledge-driven and technology-enabled economy.
