The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), in collaboration with UNDP through the Benue Agro Innovation Hub (BAIHub), yesterday hosted a Stakeholder Roundtable at the BICD Conference Hall, Makurdi.

The roundtable brought together over 35 participants, including hub leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and government representatives, to assess the current state of the ecosystem, share insights, and chart practical steps toward strengthening innovation and digital entrepreneurship in Benue State.

Representing the MD/CEO of BDIC, Mr. Terwase Gbande, the Group Head, Startup Support, Innovative Solutions & Partnerships, Mr. Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh, emphasized the need for collective action to retain local talent, expand opportunities, and align ecosystem players toward the state’s broader digital economy goals.

The UNDP (BAIHub) Lead, Mary Onyagebo Oigocho, stressed the importance of collaboration and inclusivity, noting that Benue’s innovation ecosystem can only thrive when hubs, startups, and institutions commit to shared responsibility and active engagement.

The session also featured goodwill messages from the Commissioner for Science and Technology Hon James Dwen and a representative of the Commissioner for ICT and Digital Economy Mrs Dorcas Egye, both of whom reaffirmed government’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation-driven development.

Adding his voice, the DG of the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Mr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, highlighted the importance of partnerships and international linkages in building an ecosystem that can compete beyond Benue and Nigeria. He pledged BICD’s continued collaboration in driving innovation and attracting opportunities to the state.

Also present was Mr. Shirgba Karkaa Joel, Unit Head of Innovative Solutions at BDIC, who underscored the role of intellectual property protection and mentorship in enabling startups to grow sustainably.

Participants raised critical issues, including funding, mentorship, and awareness of opportunities within the state, while also sharing optimism about the collective journey toward a thriving innovation ecosystem.

This roundtable reflects the mandate of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, who has placed digital transformation, youth empowerment, and innovation-led job creation at the heart of his administration’s agenda.

Building on earlier engagements such as the Benue Startup Ecosystem Build-Up and the Startup Pitching Training & Hangout, this stakeholder roundtable sets the stage for the forthcoming Benue Innovation Week, a flagship event to showcase startups, attract investors, and cement Benue’s place as a hub for digital innovation.

Together, we are building a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive startup ecosystem for Benue State.