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By Osasome C.O, Nana Theresa Timothy and Elisha Chebwawaza Gideon
ATCON Recognises Governor Alia’s Leadership in Digital Transformation
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has conferred the 2025 Digital Excellence Award on the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to digital governance, broadband expansion, and inclusive innovation across the state.
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ATCON described Governor Alia as a national model for visionary digital transformation, applauding the sweeping reforms and investment-attracting policies that have repositioned Benue as an emerging digital powerhouse.
The award was received on his behalf by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Sam Ode, alongside the Group Managing Director/CEO of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and President of the Africa Digital Infrastructure Company (AfDIC), Terwase Gbande.
Driving Broadband Expansion Through Bold Infrastructure Reforms
ATCON highlighted Governor Alia’s landmark decision to introduce Free Right of Way (RoW) for telecommunications operators deploying fibre optic infrastructure. This groundbreaking policy has:
- Attracted major private-sector investment
- Accelerated broadband rollout across Benue
- Reduced deployment barriers for operators
The association noted that these reforms demonstrate Governor Alia’s commitment to building a digitally enabled economy that prioritises accessibility, affordability, and innovation.
Strengthening Collaboration Through the Benue Telecommunications Summit
The honour also recognises the Governor’s hosting of the First Benue Telecommunications Summit, a strategic industry-engagement platform that brought together regulators, operators, and technology leaders. The summit addressed broadband challenges, deepened collaboration, and strengthened Benue’s digital ecosystem.
Major Milestones Under Governor Alia’s Digital Transformation Agenda
Under Governor Alia’s administration, Benue State is experiencing one of Nigeria’s most ambitious digital governance transformations. Key achievements include:
- Establishment of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
- Creation of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) as the state’s digital public infrastructure hub
- Rollout of fibre optic connections across 18 Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs)
- Training of 40,000 civil servants in digital governance
- Training of over 10,000 youths in ICT and digital skills
- Launch of BENDISMEA for ICT standards enforcement
- Development of 276 e-commerce hubs across local governments
- Deployment of 16 e-government platforms for public service delivery
- Strategic partnerships with Huawei and Galaxy Backbone to enhance broadband expansion
- Plans for BDIC-branded smart devices and a device assembly plant in Benue
ATCON emphasised that these accomplishments place Benue at the forefront of digital-enabled development in Nigeria.
National Recognition for Digital Leadership
Governor Alia was also recognised earlier in May 2025 as one of the “50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” by IT Edge News.Africa. The award, presented at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, celebrated leaders driving Nigeria’s digital future through policy reforms, innovation, and infrastructure investments. The event was hosted by Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa.
