‘‘Inclusive Access To internet Should Be A Human Right’’ – Airtel CEO

Internet access should be free and it should be a human right for all because of the possibilities in the cyberspace, according to managing director of Airtel Nigeria

Mr Segun Ogunsanyan  said in Lagos Tuesday that ‘‘Inclusive access to internet should be a human right for everyone,’’ because it offers opportunities in all aspects of human endeavour  including farming, education and news possibilities to everyone, adding that Airtel’s  free connectivity to Facebook is absolutely free.

Ogunsanyan, who was speaking at the launch of Airtel/Facebook  partnership for free Facebook access in  Nigeria said the move is in line with  the   nation’s drive towards deepening digital connectivity and enhancing mobile broadband access for millions of Nigerians in line with the key objective of Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (NBBP). “It is our belief that this partnership, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will create a plethora of opportunities for millions of Nigerians, empowering them to connect to their dreams, realize their full potentials, and succeed in their professional and personal endeavours.”

Airtel Africa has worked with Facebook since 2014 in enhancing accessibility to the internet in an affordable manner through the launch of Free Basics in Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, Seychelles and Rwanda. With the launch of Free Basics in Nigeria, millions more people will have the ability to access basic services.