On December 5, 2024, the Managing Director/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), Mr. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, delivered an insightful presentation on the theme, “Digital Information Management for Service Improvement,” at the induction training for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries. Held at the Benue State Public Service Institute (BPSI) in Makurdi, the event underscored BDIC’s pivotal role in advancing digital governance under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State.

The presentation reinforced the shared commitment to transforming Benue State through innovation and digitalization, presenting a roadmap for modern governance and service delivery.

A Heartfelt Acknowledgment of Visionary Leadership

Opening his address, Mr. Gbande expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, for his relentless commitment to leveraging technology to drive governance reforms. His Excellency’s focus on digital transformation has laid a solid foundation for a new era of transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in Benue State.

Key Highlights of the Presentation

1. Global and National Perspectives

The presentation showcased leading examples of digital governance from around the world:

• Estonia’s e-Estonia Framework: Renowned for its seamless integration of technology in public services, serving as a global benchmark for e-governance.
• India’s Digital India Initiative: A transformative program leveraging technology to improve service delivery and citizen participation.

On the home front, the presentation aligned with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030), highlighting its role as a guiding framework for state-level digital transformation.

2. Benue State’s Digital Transformation Journey

Under the leadership of His Excellency, Benue State has embarked on an ambitious digitalization journey. The Benue Digital Transformation Strategy, inspired by global standards like the Digital Dubai Strategy, has introduced key initiatives:

• Investments in data centers and broadband connectivity, forming the backbone of a connected Benue.
• Launch of 48 Approved Digital Government Services, aimed at improving service delivery, fostering transparency, and enhancing accountability.

3. Core Components of Digital Transformation

The presentation outlined the essential building blocks for successful digital transformation in Benue State:

• Infrastructure Development: Establishing cutting-edge data centers, secure platforms, and scalable networks to support seamless digital operations.
• Capacity Building: Equipping civil servants with the skills to effectively utilize digital systems for improved service delivery.
• E-Governance: Launching systems like digital identities, citizen portals, and e-procurement platforms to streamline operations and reduce corruption.
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Adopting robust security frameworks to protect sensitive information and maintain citizen trust.

4. A Call to Action for Permanent Secretaries

Mr. Gbande emphasized the critical role of Permanent Secretaries in championing the digital transformation agenda. Specific calls to action included:

• Collaborating with BDIC to integrate and operationalize the 48 digital government services.
• Leading capacity-building programs to enhance digital literacy among staff.
• Embracing e-governance practices to model transparency and efficiency for their teams.

5. Vision for a Digital Benue

The overarching vision is to establish Benue State as a model for digital governance in Nigeria. This vision is anchored in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth. Key initiatives include:

• Benue Digital Identity (B-ID): A unified identity system to streamline citizen access to services.
• Benue Digital Exchange Platform (B-DX): A centralized platform for digital service delivery.
• Benue Cybersecurity Framework: Ensuring the safety and integrity of digital operations.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Digital Foundations

The presentation concluded with a powerful message: digital information management is not merely a tool for modernization but a cornerstone of efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric governance.

Mr. Gbande expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of His Excellency, whose commitment to digitalization continues to inspire bold initiatives like this. As Benue State moves forward, the collective efforts of government leaders, BDIC, and other stakeholders will transform the state into a beacon of innovation and progress, setting a new standard for governance in Nigeria.

Together, we are building a digital Benue where technology empowers governance and improves lives—one service, one system, and one step at a time.