Benue State Champions Digital Transformation: AI and ICT Drive Development Agenda

R-L: permanent secretary, Federal ministry of Communication, Innovation & Digital Economy, Engr Farouk Yabo, representing the minister, Dr. Bosun Tidjani, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, and Benue State Commissioner of Communication, Innovation & Digital Economy, Mr Kwaghgba Amande posed during the national anthem at the opening ceremony of the conference

Benue State is making bold strides in digital transformation, seeking partnerships with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other federal agencies to accelerate the state’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and digital skills development.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, while declaring open the 12th National Council on Communications and Digital Economy in Makurdi on Thursday, underscored the state’s commitment to harnessing technology for growth. With the theme, “Accelerating the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence through Policy and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the event highlighted how digital innovation can drive sustainable progress.

Participants at the 12th NACCIDE in Makurdi

Alia appealed to the NCC, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), and the National Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to enhance their interventions in Benue. He emphasized the state’s readiness to sustain ICT initiatives and integrate digital tools into governance, asserting that digital transformation is essential for economic growth and inclusivity.

Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tidjani, represented by Permanent Secretary Engr. Farouk Yabo, praised Benue’s efforts in ICT. He revealed federal initiatives like the training of three million digital talents nationwide and investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and emerging technologies to position Nigeria as a global digital hub.

Benue’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, highlighted the state’s investments in ICT as pivotal for economic development, reflecting the administration’s commitment to learning global best practices from tech hubs in countries like China and Dubai.

The Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Kwaghgba Amande, announced plans to train 50,000 youths in digital skills, complementing federal initiatives. The first cohort of 3,000 trainees will soon graduate with certifications from NITDA and thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia for prioritizing ICT development.

“Governor Alia has prioritized Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a critical enabler of development in Benue State. His administration has taken bold steps to integrate digital tools into governance, foster innovation and promote digital literacy among our youths. Your Excellency, we are deeply inspired by your unwavering dedication to transforming Benue State into a model of progress in ICT”.

Amande stated that the ministry of Communication Innovation and Digital Economy is to sustain the remarkable strides in ICT development to foster digital literacy to advance e-governance initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. He maintained that since assumption of office has shown great commitment to the development of ICT by establishing robust government structures for effective operations and management through creation of the ministry. Establishment of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BIDIC) and creation of Digital Infrastructure Service Management and Enforcement Agency (BNDISME).

During the 5-day regular council meeting, a review of commendations and memo from last year’s Conference held in Kano was made and 38 of the council’s memo approved and pending implementation were discussed.

As Nigeria positions itself as a digital economy leader in Africa, Benue State’s collaboration with federal agencies and dedication to ICT development showcase a model for innovation-driven governance and socio-economic progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *