Samsung launches first Digital Village in Nigeria

SAMSUNG Electronics West Africa is set to launch its first Digital Village in the Oban community in Nigeria, which is located in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the Cross River State.

The project, which is part of the company’s strategic Corporate Citizenship program, will provide access to innovative healthcare and educational needs for the community, with the aim of improving health outcomes, strengthening education delivery and increasing the economic potential of Oban.

Highlighting the unique features of this solution, Managing Director of SEWA, Brovo Kim, said that the Samsung Digital Village is innovative in its design due to its use of alternative energy, which remains a major challenge in Nigeria and is often an obstacle in implementing such initiatives in rural communities.

“The Digital Village demonstrates our innovative approach to investing in people and their communities. This initiative offers a complete educational infrastructure, comprehensive healthcare solution and power generation capabilities that will spur the growth of small businesses and harness the energy of the sun to minimise running costs, among others,” Kim said.

The launch is scheduled for May 7, 2015. The Digital Village consists of five key integrated solutions that work together to benefit a community in the delivery of health care services, education and employment.

They include: a Solar Powered Internet School, Solar Powered Tele-Medical Centre, Solar Powered Dental and Blood Analysis Clinic, a Solar Power Generator, as well as an Administrative Centre.

The Solar Powered Internet School consists of a container fully equipped with complete education curriculum and smart school technology; it seats 24 students, providing them with access to education using interactive technology.

The Solar Powered Tele-Medical Centre is equipped with ear, eye and mother and child assessing facilities, while the Dental and Blood Analysis Clinic has a state-of-the-art blood analysis machine for on-the-spot diagnosis, as well as tools to treat dental complications.

Specifically designed for rural areas, the centre offers professional medical treatment, quick medical diagnosis and health education. It also helps minimise the need for rural dwellers to travel to urban areas for medical attention.

A Solar Power Generator has also been deployed to supply power to the host community to boost small businesses in the area. The generator does not emit pollutants and has negligible maintenance costs, which will lower the environmental impact and reduce overall operating costs. Finally, the Administrative Centre will serve as the coordinating hub for all the Digital Village activities in the Oban community.