Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Governor of Benue State, had a strategic partnership meeting with Huawei Technologies Limited in Shenzhen, China, on October 30, 2024 and the tour of Huawei Technologies Ltd, Research and Development center. The meeting was part of the Governor’s strategic initiative to launch the Digital Benue Plan Strategy 2024-2033 (DBPS).
Within two weeks, the Governor successfully signed partnerships with globally recognized technology leaders, starting at GITEX Global in Dubai 2024 and now with Huawei Technologies, Shenzhen, China marking a significant step toward placing Benue on the digital map.
The Digital Benue Implementation Requirement Document and Strategic Action Plan outlines the framework for transforming Benue’s digital economy from 2024 to 2033, covering the initial ten (10) years of implementation.
The plan focuses on several key areas to drive the digital revolution in Benue:
Development of Digital Infrastructure: This includes the licensing of distance and metro fiber services by the NCC to enhance statewide internet connectivity through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Corporation (BDIC).
Digitalization of Government Services: The initiative aims to automate 48 government services to facilitate seamless interactions among Government to Government (G2G), Government to Business (G2B), Government to Citizen (G2C), Business to Government (B2G), Citizen to Government (C2G), and Business to Business (B2B) to revolutionize and digitize government operations.
Introduction of Mandatory Digital technologies and Skills Education: The Governor has approved the inclusion of coding, programming, artificial intelligence, and digital skills training in secondary education, with an Advanced Certification Examination by the Benue State Examination Board. Ten pilot schools in three senatorial zones will receive 2,000 computers supplied by Huawei Technologies Limited.
Establishment of Digital Hubs: Approval has been granted for 23 digital hubs—one in each Local Government Area—and a Data Center in Makurdi, connecting these hubs to a central coordinating unit to optimize and reduce implementation costs.
Approval for the establishment of Benue Digital Technology Institute: This institute will provide dedicated digital skills training in partnership with Huawei Technologies Academy in Shenzhen.
Launch of E-commerce Hubs: For the first time, 273 e-commerce hubs will be established across all council wards in Benue State to be supported Huawei Technologies Limited digital infrastructure to accommodate 1000 women and youth in each Local community, and equipped them with e-commerce skills and tools.
The strategic partnership with Huawei Technologies Limited, Shenzhen, China on 31st October, 2024 and ENVNT, Riyadh Saudi Arabia in GITEX Global Dubai 2024 are crucial milestones that marks the official launch of the Digital Benue project.
Digital Benue initiative is projected to create 350,000 new digital technology jobs and skills in the next five years for the youth of Benue, effectively addressing unemployment and enhancing educational opportunities, with an anticipated contribution of over $49.5 million USD to the state’s GDP.
The future lies in digital technologies, and those who strategically prepare today will be poised to seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
