Today, 29th November, 2025, at the iconic Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria the atmosphere was electrifying with hope, empowerment, and the spirit of a rising New Benue.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and President/CEO of Africa Digital Infrastructure Company Ltd (AfDIC), Gbande Hembaor Terwase, was ably represented by Samson Dzungwe , Technical Assistant I to the GMD/CEO on Projects, Products, Systems, Innovation and Training, accompanied by Mr Mishi Joshua Technical Assistant II the landmark Graduation Ceremony of The Alia, The Better Youth & Women Free Empowerment Programme (Skills Acquisition Programme).
The initiative, coordinated by the energetic SSA to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Illegal Levies, Hon. Terver Gbenda, successfully empowered 6,000 youth. 80% of whom were women from all 23 LGAs after an intensive two-week training.
On behalf of the GMD/CEO, Mr. Gbande extended profound appreciation to His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his visionary leadership. He particularly commended the Governor’s strategic appointment of Hon. Terver Gbenda, whose impactful stewardship has restored discipline, order, and direction to youth mobilization in the state.
The establishment of the Benue Youth House, a first in the state’s history, and the resounding success of this graduation stand as proof of his dedication to building a vibrant, empowered youth population.
BDIC reaffirmed its unwavering support and full partnership commitment toward sustaining and expanding these transformative interventions.
The programme aligns strongly with BDIC’s flagship initiatives, including the 23,000 Digital Skills Training and Empowerment Programme across all 23 LGAs and the ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Creativity on the establishment of the Benue State Youth Helpdesk. These frameworks are designed to institutionalize youth empowerment and ensure long-term digital inclusion across the state.
During the engagement, special attention was given to women and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), emphasizing Governor Alia’s mandate for inclusivity and gender balance in the digital economy. BDIC proudly announced that the ICT Centre for People with Disabilities is fully ready, and women across the state were strongly encouraged to enroll in the digital skills programme.
These digital capabilities will transform how they market, sell, and scale their crafts, helping to bridge the longstanding gender digital divide. The BDIC team also highlighted the State Government’s progress in deploying home-grown e-governance infrastructure to reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency in public service delivery.
The vision of Governor Alia remains bold and transformative: to create 150,000 young millionaires through technology within the next five years. BDIC stands firmly committed to this mission. We are not only building human capacity but also innovating tech solutions that will address developmental challenges in Benue, Nigeria, and Africa.
The graduation ceremony was not a conclusion but a powerful new beginning – one that further affirms that under the Alia administration, The Alia, The Better is becoming a reality for every youth and woman in Benue State.
