Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the "50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025"—a prestigious list recognizing visionary leaders transforming Nigeria's digital landscape.
Known for his forward-thinking approach, Governor Alia has prioritized technology-driven governance and digital inclusion as key pillars of his economic diversification plan, placing Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s ICT-led development agenda.
Digital vision with tangible impact
Since assuming office, Governor Alia has taken historic steps by establishing three key institutions to drive digital policy formulation, ICT infrastructure development, and technology adoption:
- Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy
- Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC)
- Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA)
These bodies are helping to streamline digital operations, promote e-governance, and support youth empowerment through skills acquisition and job creation.
Highlights of Governor Alia’s digital reforms
Under Alia’s administration, Benue State has:
- Created the BDIC to develop ICT infrastructure, enhance IGR, and promote digital literacy.
- Launched the Benue State Executive Council Management System, a paperless digital platform for government meetings.
- Trained over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and data privacy.
- Empowered 10,000 youth with digital tools and skills for entrepreneurship and employability.
- Established 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards for local product marketing and youth training.
- Partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to connect 23 local government areas with digital training hubs, targeting 23,000 yearly trainees.
- Initiated licensing applications with the CBN, NCC, and NBC for e-payment, ISP services, and e-television broadcasting respectively.
- Employed over 60 software and hardware engineers to foster local tech talent and innovation.
BDIC: The Engine of Benue’s Digital Economy Transformation
The Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) is the central institution driving the state’s transition to a digital-first economy. Within just 15 months, it has made strides in:
- Digital financial inclusion
- Launching AI and coding programs in 15 pilot secondary schools
- Promoting digital literacy campaigns
- Building a framework for fiber optic deployment and broadband expansion
About the 50MVPs Recognition
The 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy is an initiative by Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, and part of the larger West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) platform.
The 2025 edition will be held on May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos, under the theme: "Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy." The MVPs are selected based on:
- Innovation & Vision
- Impact & Influence
- Leadership & Contribution
- Sustainability & Future Prospects
The event brings together policymakers, innovators, and corporate leaders who are actively shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
What organizers are saying
“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,” said Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think.
Past editions have featured national leaders such as Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the NDPC; and Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty.
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