ICT Reforms: Benue Governor Alia named in Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy MVPs 2025

*Governor (Rev. Fr.) Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State of Nigeria is recognised for his administration’s groundbreaking ICT reforms and visionary leadership, and has been named among the ’50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025′

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Governor (Rev. Fr.) Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State of Nigeria has been recognised for his administration’s groundbreaking Information and Communications Technology (ICT) reforms and visionary leadership.

Governor Alia has also been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025”, a prestigious list recognising visionary leaders transforming Nigeria’s digital landscape.

The governor, reported for his forward-thinking approach, has prioritised 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

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency said since assuming office, Governor Alia had taken historic steps by establishing three key institutions to drive digital policy formulation, ICT infrastructure development, and technology adoption.

These institutions include the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and 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 in Benue

It is noted that Governor Alia’s administration, among others, has created the BDIC to develop ICT infrastructure, enhance IGR, and promote digital literacy.

The Benue State Government, under his leadership, has also launched the Benue State Executive Council Management System, a paperless digital platform for government meetings.

The administration has trained over 40,000 Civil Servants in e-governance tools and data privacy.

Other feats include empowerment of 10,000 youth with digital tools and skills for entrepreneurship and employability.

The current administration equally established 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards for local product marketing and youth training.

Benue State has partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to connect 23 Local Government Areas with digital training hubs, targeting 23,000 yearly trainees.

The Benue State Government has initiated licensing applications with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for e-payment, ISP services, and e-television broadcasting respectively.

Governor Alia’s leadership in Benue has employed over 60 software and hardware engineers to foster local tech talent and innovation.

About BDIC operations

The Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) is regarded as the engine of Benue’s Digital Economy Transformation.

It is the central institution driving the state’s transition to a digital-first economy.

It is noted that within just 15 months, the company has made strides in digital financial inclusion,

and launching AI and coding programmes in 15 pilot secondary schools.

The BDIC is also promoting digital literacy campaigns, and building a framework for fiber optic deployment and broadband expansion across the state.

On recognition of 50MVPs

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, with 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, as well as  Sustainability & Future Prospects.

The event brings together policymakers, innovators, and corporate leaders who are actively shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

The organisers, according to Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think, said of the event: “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.”

Past editions have featured national leaders, such as Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC); and Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty.

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