Governor Alia Inaugurates E-Governance Training And Digital Platforms In Benue State
By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State in North Central Nigeria has inaugurated a five day digital training for 40,000 Civil Servants and Local Government staff on e-governance tools and ICT skills in Makurdi, the state Capital.
The event also marked the launch of the Benue State Government Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), the Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal, and the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal.
Governor Alia emphasized the importance of digital transformation and how these platforms could enhance service delivery, transparency, and economic opportunities in the state.
He expressed gratitude to partners like the Digital Bridge Institute for their support in capacity-building programs and the development of digital platforms.
Governor Alia also recognized the contributions of various organizations, including the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company, the National Data Protection Commission, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Ltd., and the Office of the Head of Service in advancing digital adoption and infrastructure in the state.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Wilson-Jack, represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Servants Matters, Mr. Agaba Abah, highlighted the benefits of the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) in revolutionizing how government institutions manage records and official correspondences, leading to faster decision-making, improved transparency, and enhanced productivity.
On his part, the Head of Benue State Civil Service, Moses Agbogbo Ode emphasized the importance of the training of 40,000 state and Local Government civil servants on e-governance tools and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
He maintained that through these platforms and training, Benue State aims to transition from analogue to digital operations in order to enhance service delivery, transparency, and economic opportunities.
Earlier, the Managing Director and CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, (BDIC), Terwase Hembaor Gbande mentioned past initiatives like the partnership with Microsoft Corporation to train about ten thousand Benue youths on ICT and the establishment of the Benue Fashion and ICT Hub as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to digital infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, Hon. Gbande called for continued collaboration from public and private partners to empower the youth, promote digital innovation, and drive economic growth in Benue State.
The MD of BDIC listed the four e-governance platforms launched to include the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), the Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal, the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal, and the Office of Benue Head of Service Website in Makurdi.
He stressed that “these initiatives are empowering people, enhancing transparency, and embracing the possibilities of a digitally-driven economy while fostering a future-ready civil service that adapts to a rapidly evolving world”.
He also noted the importance of the Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal in providing seamless access to land management services, reducing bureaucratic delays, and enhancing public access to essential services.
He said the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal is designed to nurture entrepreneurial spirit among youths by offering resources, mentorship opportunities, and financial support.
Our Correspondent reports that various organizations partnered with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company in providing capacity-building programs to empower the workforce with digital skills necessary for efficient operation of the platforms.
They described the event as a milestone in Benue’s journey towards a modern, digitally-enabled public service by promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in service delivery.
