By Amos Aar
THE MANAGING Director of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Mr. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, says the state government is set to create a virtual marketplace and generate over 100,000 digital jobs as part of its plan to digitally transform Benue’s economy and governance systems.
Addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Chapter, at their extraordinary congress on Monday, Mr. Terwase unveiled the achievements and vision of BDIC, an initiative established by Governor Hyacinth Alia to power a new digital era in the state.
Terwase disclosed that the company, formally approved on July 17, 2024, and incorporated on August 8, 2024, has already deployed over 10 operational digital platforms that are reshaping the way government services are delivered. Among them are the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), the Executive Document Management System (EDMS) for a paperless cabinet, and the e-Citizen Identity Registration System.
He disclosed that over 20 more platforms are currently in development, covering key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, procurement, and local government administration. These innovations, he said, are backed by critical infrastructure, including the deployment of fiber-optic broadband connectivity to major government offices for real-time digital governance.
Terwase also announced that the state’s virtual marketplace – one of the key platforms – will allow local farmers and traders to connect with broader markets, enhancing economic opportunities while leveraging the power of technology.
“Today, I am pleased to publicly announce BDIC’s commitment to create over 100,000 digital jobs across Benue State within the next three years,” Terwase said, noting that the initiative aligns with Governor Alia’s economic development vision. He explained that the jobs would come through digital outsourcing, gig work platforms, tech start-up hubs, device manufacturing, and e-commerce support – especially for rural farmers and youth.
He described BDIC’s local hardware investment, valued at over $170,000, as a bold move to reduce dependency on imported digital equipment. This initiative, which includes assembling laptops, smart kiosks, and biometric devices locally, is projected to generate over ₦6.6 billion in revenue and unlock opportunities in ICT hardware services.
Mr. Terwase said BDIC has already trained over 4,800 public servants in digital governance, in what he called the largest digital capacity-building program in the state’s history. With training ongoing weekly, he revealed that a special 3MTT/BDIC Digital Skills Program aims to equip at least 1,000 youths in each of Benue’s 23 local government areas – bringing the total to 23,000 digital-ready youths.
Apart from infrastructure and training, the BDIC MD appealed to the media for partnership. He stressed the critical role journalists play in shaping narratives and deepening democracy, especially in a fast-changing digital age.
“The media remains the conscience of society. As journalists, your duty transcends mere reporting, it involves shaping public opinion, holding power accountable, and preserving democratic values,” he stated as he outlined a proposal to partner with the NUJ in establishing digital skills labs, training journalists in mobile journalism, data storytelling, cybersecurity, and the use of AI tools. The partnership would also create innovation fellowships and help launch community-based digital news platforms.
He urged journalists to be more than observers in the digital revolution. “Let us build a Digital Benue together. Let us empower our storytellers to inform, reform, and transform our society with the full power of digital tools,” he said.
When asked what’s exactly the workforce of Benue State that he promised to engage 100,000 jobs for the citizens, the MD tactically declined an accurate answer. “We have completed civil service management system. Which is ready for use. That is the only means. But the governor told us that he needs a system that can actually ascertain whatever he wants to get at any time.
“The essence we have to build the system is to ensure that as a civil servant, if there is anything you retire, the system flags you on the payroll and the head of service has already supported that, and with the approval of His Excellency, we are done with that system.
“So, we are certainly going to integrate that at the payroll or the state government. So, that is what I have to say on that one for now because most times the issue of payroll is always politicized.”
