Indications have emerged that Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia is leaving no stone unturned to tap into the abundance of technological advancements to reposition key sectors of the state’s economy including agriculture, education, quality healthcare delivery, transportation and public safety .

In his usual style of leadership by example and from the front since coming on board as Governor of the state on May 29, 2023, Alia, earlier this month (November) led top Benue State Government officials on a working visit to China to forge bilateral partnerships for a ‘Smart Benue’ that will directly benefit residents.

Aside from sealing a beneficial partnership with Huawei Technologies at their Headquarters in Shenzhen, Governor Alia in a proverbial use of one stone to kill multiple birds also led his delegation to attend the 136th Session of China Import & Export Fair Exhibition.

According to reports, the partnership between Huawei Technologies and the Benue State Government has already attracted a fully funded, brand-new ICT Academy, to be situated at Benue State University, Makurdi.

Announcing this feat via his Facebook account, an elated Alia expressed optimism that the partnership with Huawei amongst other things will bring technologically driven transformative ideas to the state thus positioning her as Nigeria’s hub for digital economy.

“Today, I arrived at Guangzhou International Airport, China, for an important working visit to Huawei Headquarters in Shenzhen, and to also attend the 136th Session of China Import & Export Fair Exhibition, towards enhancing Benue’s digital transformation and economic growth.

“I was warmly welcomed by the Consul-General of Nigeria in Guangzhou, George Collins, Charles Liu , Channel Manager of Huawei Technologies Ltd, China, Engr. Emmanuel Ochie, Managing Director of Certified Systems Ltd and Eric Liu-Hai Qing, CEO of Sinoki Systems Limited, alongside members of our advance team ; Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, Commissioner for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management ; Mr. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, MD/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC);

“Accompanying me on this trip is my Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Paul Biam; Hon. Alex Addingi, Special Adviser on International Investment; the MD/CEO of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC); and other key players committed to advancing Benue’s economy through innovation.

“Together, we are forging partnerships that will open doors for technological growth, improved infrastructure, and opportunities that will directly benefit our people. Huawei, a global leader in innovation, is our partner in this endeavour, and our collaboration aims to bring its transformative technologies to Benue, positioning us as a hub for the digital economy,” Alia stated.

Alia Signs MoU with leading IT firm, approves recruitment of technical team for BENDISMEA

Governor Alia walked the talk of his vision to transform Benue into a technological hub by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the state’s digital infrastructure.

At the signing ceremony with EVNT Technologies, a leading Saudi Arabian based Information Technology (IT) and solutions provider, Alia said, “this is aimed at expanding digital infrastructure in the state, through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC)”.

Gov. Alia during the memorable signing of the MoU at the 2024 GITEX Global Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in October, described it as a “step towards making Benue a truly digital environment”.

“This partnership with EVNT Technologies is a critical step towards realizing our vision of a truly digital Benue. It is about creating opportunities, empowering our people, and laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth.”

Chairman of EVNT Technologies, Hamad Al Saleh, promised the firm’s readiness to bring technology expertise in the state, assuring that, Benue will become a model for digital transformation in Nigeria and beyond.

“We are excited to bring our expertise to Benue. Together, we can make Benue a model for digital transformation in Nigeria and beyond.”

Beyond Infrastructure Development, the partnership equally targets Skills Training and Capacity Building, Digital Application Development, as well as Digital Policy Formulation and Strategy.

The implementation of the partnership is expected to begin within 90 days, with both parties dedicated to delivering meaningful progress.

Meanwhile, to efficiently drive the ‘Smart Benue’ agenda, Gov Alia on October 20 approved the recruitment of a technical team for the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).

This move is expected to create 253 jobs for Benue youth, stimulating local economies, enhancing digital literacy, and improving access to technology in Nigeria.

Key benefits of the recruitment exercise, according to a statement issued in Makurdi by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, include job creation, boosting digital infrastructure, skill development, economic growth and youth empowerment.

He said the governor also directed the immediate release of salaries for the new positions, ensuring a swift and supportive recruitment process.