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Governor Alia earns national recognition for transformative digital reforms driving inclusion, innovation, and infrastructure in Benue.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been honoured as one of the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025.”This prestigious list, curated by Knowhow Media (publishers of IT Edge News.Africa), celebrates leaders driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Governor Alia’s tech-forward policies have positioned Benue as a rising hub for ICT innovation, digital inclusion, and e-governance, earning him a spot among Nigeria’s most influential digital economy leaders.
Governor Alia’s Digital Transformation Agenda
Since taking office, Governor Alia has prioritized technology-driven governance, establishing key institutions to accelerate Benue’s digital economy:
- Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy
- Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC)
- Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA)
These institutions are enabling the government to scale e-governance, drive ICT infrastructure rollout, and empower thousands of young Benue indigenes with future-proof digital skills. They are ensuring Benue remains competitive in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
Key Milestones in Benue’s Digital Transformation
Under Governor Alia’s leadership, the following digital reforms have taken root in Benue:
- Paperless Governance: Launched the Benue State Executive Council Management System for digital government meetings.
- Massive Digital Training: Over 40,000 civil servants trained in e-governance and data privacy.
- Youth Empowerment: 10,000 youths equipped with digital tools for entrepreneurship.
- E-Commerce Expansion: 276 e-commerce hubs established across council wards.
- Tech Education: AI and coding programs introduced in 15 pilot secondary schools.
- Infrastructure Growth: Fiber optic deployment and broadband expansion underway.
- Regulatory Progress: Licensing applications submitted to CBN, NCC, and NBC for e-payment, ISP, and e-broadcasting services.
BDIC: Catalyst of Benue’s Digital Economy – Powering a Digital Future
At the heart of Benue’s digital transformation is the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), established to serve as the state’s technology backbone. Within 15 months, BDIC has made significant progress in:
- Promoting digital financial inclusion
- Launching AI and coding programmes in 15 secondary schools
- Driving digital literacy campaigns across communities
- Building frameworks for fiber optic and broadband expansion
Governor Alia’s digital agenda is positioning Benue as a regional tech hub with scalable innovations that are directly impacting lives, enhancing governance, and fostering local economic growth.
About the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy is an initiative of Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, and a key feature of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC). The 2025 edition, themed “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy”, takes place on May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos.
MVPs are selected based on:
- Innovation & Vision
- Impact & Influence
- Leadership & Contribution
- Sustainability & Future Potential
Organizers Commend Alia’s Impact
According to Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think, the 50MVPs platform is more than recognition—
“It is a national conversation on how visionary leadership is transforming Nigeria’s digital economy.”
Governor Alia joins an elite league of past MVPs including:
- Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
- Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
- Engr. Ike Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty
- Dr Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centres (OADC)
