By Donald Kumun
When the Progressive Digital Media Summit, under the auspices of the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Social Media, Hon. Dada Olusegun, named His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, as the “North-Central Governor of the Year”, and the award already presented to him at Government House, Makurdi, it was no surprise to those who have closely followed Benue’s impressive digital transformation, since May, 2023.
The speech delivered by the Special Assistant to the President, on that auspicious occasion, resonated deeply among the participants when he gave a step-by-step itemisation of some of the landmark achievements recorded by Governor Alia, that earned him the award. The Governor attended the event, not just, as an awardee but wore another cap as a Special Guest of Honour.
This award, is therefore, more than just a political accolade; it is a direct result of deliberate, strategic, and transformative actions that have positioned Benue State as a rapidly emerging digital economy hub in Nigeria.
On assumption of office, Governor Alia demonstrated a profound understanding of the critical role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in modern development. He recognized that without a strong digital foundation, economic growth and human capital development, would be sluggish and inequitable. This led to a series of groundbreaking initiatives that set his administration apart.
Historically, since 1976, Benue State lacked a dedicated governmental body for digital affairs. But Governor Alia, has changed this narrative by becoming the first Governor in the state’s history to establish a Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. This strategic move, provided an ensuring framework for ICT innovation, e-governance, and digital inclusion.
He then followed it with the creation of the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA), a regulatory body designed to ensure compliance with the state’s digital service standards, and to cement these reforms, he secured the Executive Council’s approval for an Executive Bill on the Benue Digital Economy and E-Governance Law. This forward-thinking legal framework, guarantees investment in ICT infrastructure, and operational excellence, ensuring that Benue’s digital journey is sustainable and not dependent on temporary fixes.
In 2024, the Governor, approved the establishment of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC). The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Terwase Gbande, a thorough bred professional who can effectively be described as a round peg in a round hole. This Special Purpose Vehicle was created to spearhead the development of hard, soft, and knowledge-based digital infrastructure, across the state. This decision quickly garnered national attention, leading to his recognition in May 2025, by IT Edge Media, in Lagos, as one of the 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.
Under the banner of the “Digital Benue Vision,” the BDIC has forged significant strategic partnerships with leading organizations, such as Huawei Technologies Ltd, and Galaxy Backbone Limited, respectively. Governor Alia’s personal commitment to these projects is evident; he took the unusual step of personally visiting the facilities of these partners both in Nigeria, and China to accelerate project delivery. This executive-level engagement has been instrumental in moving these projects from the drawing board to reality.
China is one of the world’s leading powers in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), standing at the forefront of digital innovation, infrastructure development, and technology adoption. The country has built one of the largest and fastest broadband and 5G networks in the world, driven by companies like Huawei, ZTE, Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu. The country is also a global leader in e-commerce, mobile payments, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, shaping global standards and influencing ICT policies across continents.
On the global stage, China’s ICT dominance, is reflected in its vast investments in research and development, digital infrastructure exports, and smart city initiatives. Through the Belt and Road Initiative’s Digital Silk Road, China extends its ICT reach into Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond, helping developing nations build their digital infrastructure. Its government-led strategies, such as Made in China 2025, and the New Infrastructure Plan, position it as a driving force in the 4th Industrial Revolution, competing closely with the U.S. and the EU in shaping the future of global technology.
Consequently, the tangible results of this vision are already transforming governance and service delivery. The administration of the Governor, has successfully implemented a Government Electronic Document Management System (GEDMS) across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which has significantly reduced paper waste and improved service efficiency.
The Paperless Executive Council Management System, equipped with iPad Gen 11 devices for all EXCO members of the State, has revolutionized the decision-making process.
Furthermore, the new Electronic Land Administration Portal now allows citizens to complete applications, make payments, and process land titles online, simplifying a previously cumbersome process.
Through the BDIC–Galaxy Backbone–Huawei partnership, fiber optic infrastructure has been deployed to 19 MDAs in the State, dramatically enhancing broadband capacity across government operations. The state has even gone a step further by manufacturing and obtaining SONCAP certification for its own BDIC-branded computers, fully backed by the state government.
Governor Alia understands that digital transformation is as much about people as it is about technology. His administration has made massive investments in skill development to ensure that Benue’s citizens are well-equipped for the digital age.
More than 40,000 civil servants in both state and local governments, are currently undergoing training in digital governance, cybersecurity, and data privacy at the Benue Public Service Institute. In parallel, over 10,000 youths are receiving advanced digital skills training to enhance their global competitiveness. The introduction of the Benue Citizens/Residents Identity Management System has streamlined service delivery, while the Civil Service Management and E-Pension Portals, have brought unprecedented transparency, and efficiency to human resources and pension administration.
Furthermore, and recognizing the importance of entrepreneurship, the state launched the Benue Startups Support Portal and approved the creation of 276 e-commerce hubs to expand market access for local businesses.
These forward-thinking policies also extend to the education sector. In partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the “One Student, One Digital Skill, One Computer” project, is democratizing access to technology for young people. The domestication of the National Digital Literacy Framework, and the introduction of digital skills, and coding curricula in schools, piloted in 15 institutions, are preparing the next generation. The state is even nurturing tomorrow’s innovators through a Summer Tech Bootcamp at BDIC headquarters, exposing children as young as five to technology.
Governor Alia’s digital reforms have permeated every sector of governance. In security, an E-Emergency Response System, supported by drone surveillance over high-risk areas, is improving crisis response capabilities.
The launch of the Benue State E-Parliament System, has made the 10th Assembly the first in Northern Nigeria to operate with fully digital legislative processes. The Integrated Tax Registration Portal for the Benue Internal Revenue Service, is a first in the state’s history, while the Benue Artisans Marketplace Portal, provides a platform for artisans to register, get certified, and reach a global market. Modular servers with backup power, have been strategically deployed in 10 MDAs to ensure uninterrupted digital service delivery.
These achievements have already introduced 48 new digital services across government, with a targeted annual revenue generation of N53 billion, and the potential to create over 100,000 jobs in the ICT ecosystem within the next three years. The BDIC has made it clear that these results are verifiable and welcomes public scrutiny. Under Governor Alia’s leadership, Benue’s digital economy, in just its second year, is operating with the speed and impact of a decade-old ecosystem.
The award from the Progressive Digital Media Summit, with the theme: “Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development”, which took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last week, is therefore, fully justified. Governor Alia has successfully built a visionary policy framework, deployed robust digital infrastructure, and invested heavily in skill development. He has enhanced public sector efficiency, unlocked economic potential, and integrated technology into security and governance. The result is a Benue State that is no longer just playing catch-up in the digital space, but is actively leading the way.
In just over two years, Governor Alia has transformed Benue State from a modest player into a recognized leader in ICT innovation. His policies are not short-term political gestures, but part of a structured, legally-backed, and partnership-driven blueprint that guarantees sustainability.
The “North-Central Governor of the Year” award, is not merely a personal milestone for the Governor; it is a collective achievement for the people of Benue State, signifying their entry into a smarter, more prosperous, and digitally empowered future.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi the State Capital.
