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By Chinenye Anuforo
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been recognized as one of Nigeria’s “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious acknowledgment of his visionary leadership and transformative impact on the state’s digital landscape. The list celebrates leaders who are spearheading the advancement of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized technology-driven governance and digital inclusion as crucial components of his economic diversification strategy. This recognition places Benue State at the forefront of the nation’s ICT-led development agenda.
Since assuming office, Governor Alia has taken significant steps to establish a robust digital ecosystem in Benue State. Key initiatives include the creation of three pivotal institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA). These bodies are instrumental in streamlining digital operations, promoting e-governance, and fostering youth empowerment through skills development and job creation.
Under Governor Alia’s leadership, Benue State has achieved notable milestones in its digital transformation journey, including: The establishment of the BDIC to develop crucial ICT infrastructure, enhance Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and promote digital literacy across the state.
The launch of the Benue State Executive Council Management System, a paperless digital platform streamlining government meetings and enhancing efficiency; the training of over 40,000 civil servants in essential e-governance tools and data privacy protocols.
The empowerment of 10,000 young individuals with vital digital tools and skills to foster entrepreneurship and improve employability. and the establishment of 276 e-commerce hubs strategically located across council wards to facilitate local product marketing and provide digital skills training at the grassroots level amongst others.
The Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) has emerged as a central driving force behind the state’s digital economy transformation. Within a remarkable 15-month period, the BDIC has made significant strides in areas such as digital financial inclusion, the launch of AI and coding programs in 15 pilot secondary schools, the promotion of widespread digital literacy campaigns, and the development of a comprehensive framework for fiber optic deployment and broadband expansion across Benue State.
The “50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” recognition is an initiative by Knowhow Media, the publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, and is a key part of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) platform. The 2025 edition of the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 22nd at The Colosseum in Lagos, under the theme: “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.”
The MVPs are selected based on stringent criteria encompassing innovation and vision, impact and influence, leadership and contribution, as well as sustainability and future prospects. The event serves as a crucial gathering for policymakers, innovators, and corporate leaders who are actively shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Commenting on the significance of the recognition, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think, stated, “More than just a recognition, the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy is the gathering of Nigeria’s major change-makers and the charting of new pathways for economic growth.”
Governor Alia’s inclusion in this prestigious list underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the power of digital technology to drive economic growth, enhance governance, and empower the citizens of Benue State.
