Ebolowa: P&T Minister inaugurates MTN-funded multimedia centre.

The Jean XXIII Seminary Multimedia Centre in Ebolowa was inaugurated recently by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng.

This was in the presence of the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of MTN Cameroon, Mitwa Ng’ambi.

Also present was the Governor of the South Region, Félix Nguele Nguele; the Bishop of Ebolowa, His Lordship Alain Philippe Mbarga; the Rector of Jean XXIII Seminary, Father Serges Léon Zhang; as well as some administrative and religious authorities of the area.

The project spearheaded by MTN Cameroon in partnership with the local educational and ecclesiastical authorities, according to officials, is aimed at providing the young seminarians with essential tools for navigating an increasingly digital world. 

According to Mitwa, the centre is equipped with modern facilities including 20 new computers, a server, a multifunction printer, video projection equipment, and a high-speed internet connection, marks a turning point in the educational landscape of the region. 

The project, she said, constitutes part of MTN Cameroon’s broader Digital Communities programme, which seeks to democratise access to new technologies across the country.

She emphasised the company’s commitment to the digital transformation of the nation, particularly in rural areas. “Democratising access to new technologies is an absolute priority for MTN Cameroon,” she said, noting that 70% of the company’s foundation budget is allocated to initiatives that promote digital education. 

The Jean XXIII Seminary Multimedia Centre, Mitwa said, is the latest of 70 such centres established by MTN Foundation, benefiting over 80,000 students and 5,000 teachers, the majority of whom are based in rural areas.

The CEO went on to explain that this multimedia centre is not just a donation of equipment, but an investment in the future of Cameroonian youth. 

“Your needs and concerns are at the heart of this project,” she told the seminarians, highlighting the transformative potential of the centre for students' academic and personal growth.

Through its commitment to projects like these, MTN Cameroon, the CEO added, is not only aligning with the government's digital inclusion goals but also positioning itself as a key partner in the development of Cameroon’s digital infrastructure.

The CEO reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to promote digital inclusion. 

“We are proud to be part of this initiative, and we look forward to continuing our work with the ministry and the local community to ensure that every young Cameroonian has access to the digital tools they need to succeed,” she said. 

Enter Minister Libom Likeng

Speaking at the event, Minister Libom Li Likeng, saluted the support for private sector initiatives that advance digital inclusion. 

She equally acknowledged the pivotal role of Information and Communication Technologies, ICTs, in the development of nations.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that all segments of society, including rural populations, women, youth, and persons with disabilities, access and benefit from these technologies.

“Despite the omnipresence of ICTs in our daily and professional lives, certain segments of the population remain marginalized from this digital revolution,” the minister said, while emphasising the need for tailored strategies to close the digital gap. 

She highlighted government’s long-term vision in reducing the digital divide, a vision which includes the promotion of equitable access to ICTs, the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, and the development of digital skills within public administrations.

Beneficiaries urged to make good use of centre

The minister also stressed the importance of responsible use of technology, particularly in the context of growing concerns about cyber-attacks and privacy violations.

“It is not enough to provide access to technology; we must also ensure that our citizens are equipped to use these tools safely and responsibly,” she said.

“The world is changing rapidly, and our youth must be prepared to adapt to these changes. The multimedia centre at Jean XXIII Seminary will play a crucial role in equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in this digital era,” the minister stated.

MTN Cameroon hailed

The member of government also lauded MTN Cameroon’s efforts to support government's digitalisation goals, particularly in remote areas like Ebolowa. 

She noted that public-private partnerships are essential in accelerating the deployment of ICT infrastructure and ensuring that the entire population has access to the immense opportunities provided by the digital economy.

Rector says centre will foster dev’t

The Rector of the Jean XXIII Seminary, Father Serges Léon Zhang, expressed profound gratitude to MTN Cameroon for its support. 

He equally explained the Seminary's mission of fostering excellence in education while nurturing the spiritual and moral development of its students. 

The Rector stressed that the multimedia centre would serve as a critical tool in fulfilling their mission by providing students with the digital skills they need to thrive in a world that is increasingly reliant on technology.

“The Jean XXIII Seminary has always been a beacon of academic, spiritual, and moral excellence. With the inauguration of this centre, we are stepping into a new era where technology will play a central role in our students' education,” the Rector said.

He expressed hope that the centre would not only equip students with technical skills but also teach them to use these tools responsibly and ethically.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3235 of Friday September 20, 2024