News Highlights:
- Governor Alia has been named one of the “50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025.”
- Under Alia’s administration, Benue State has launched ground-breaking initiatives including a paperless government system.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named one of the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025.”
The prestigious recognition honours individuals who are championing innovation and transforming the country’s digital landscape.
The award is organized by Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, under the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) platform.
Governor Alia earned the accolade for his visionary approach to governance and his commitment to digital inclusion and economic diversification through technology.
Since assuming office, he has strategically embedded ICT development into the core of his administration’s agenda, positioning Benue State as a rising force in Nigeria’s technology-driven future.
A central aspect of Governor Alia’s digital policy is the establishment of three key institutions designed to drive transformation across sectors: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy; the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC); and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
These institutions collectively spearhead digital policy formulation, infrastructure development, and technology adoption across the state.
Under his administration, Benue State has 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; and empowered 10,000 youth with digital skills and entrepreneurial support.
Furthermore, the state has established 276 e-commerce hubs across all council wards to facilitate local product marketing and youth training. It has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to connect all 23 local government areas with digital training centres, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
To broaden the scope of its digital initiatives, the government has applied for operational licenses from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for e-payment, ISP services, and e-television broadcasting, respectively.
More than 60 software and hardware engineers have also been employed to nurture local tech talent.
At the heart of these developments is the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), the state’s flagship digital agency.
Within just 15 months, the BDIC has recorded remarkable milestones, including the promotion of digital financial inclusion, the rollout of AI and coding programs in 15 pilot secondary schools, and the creation of a broadband and fibre optic expansion framework. The BDIC also leads digital literacy campaigns to empower residents and foster innovation across Benue.
The 50MVPs award, which will be conferred during a ceremony on May 22 at The Colosseum in Lagos, is based on four major criteria: Innovation & Vision, Impact & Influence, Leadership & Contribution, and Sustainability & Future Prospects.
This year’s theme, “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy,” aims to foster strategic dialogue among key stakeholders in the sector.
Speaking on the significance of the award, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think, remarked, “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.”
Previous editions of the award have celebrated notable figures such as Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC); and Engr. Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty.
Governor Alia’s inclusion in this elite group underscores Benue State’s growing influence in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.