IN A significant move to advance its digital economy agenda, the Benue State Government has officially launched the “One Student, One Computer, One Digital Skill+” initiative.
The unveiling coincided with the graduation of over 80 students from the state’s inaugural Summer Tech Training program in a ceremony held on Wednesday.
The event also served to induct the first cohort of Digital Benue Ambassadors, a group of young innovators now tasked with promoting technological adoption among their peers across the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, declared the initiative the cornerstone of the state’s “Digital Benue” vision. He emphasized that the program marks a critical turning point in preparing the state’s youth for the modern knowledge economy.
“Today, we celebrate our children who have gained foundational skills in digital literacy, software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. They are the trailblazers of a future powered by knowledge, innovation, and opportunity,” the governor stated.
He outlined the program’s dual benefits to include enhancing educational outcomes through access to e-learning platforms and providing tangible, employable skills in ICT fields. This, he noted, will create new pathways in entrepreneurship, freelancing, and e-commerce for Benue’s youth.
The governor also pledged to expand the training program to all 23 LGAs to ensure comprehensive access.
The initiative received commendation from federal officials. The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Ajayi Babajide Ayodimeji, praised the state’s foresight, noting it ensures youth become “creators and future leaders in Nigeria’s digital economy, not just consumers of technology.”
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, represented by Yansa Esetome Garba, applauded the state’s effort in nurturing a generation of globally competitive innovators.
Mr. Terwase Gbande, Managing Director of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), reported that the summer program successfully provided hands-on training in software development, AI, and web technologies. He described the new computer initiative as a bold declaration of the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.
The graduating students, who received certificates and customized tablets with internet access, expressed enthusiasm about their new capabilities. Many described the training as transformative and shared aspirations to build careers in technology and leverage their skills to address challenges within their communities.
