By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has launched a large-scale capacity-building program aimed at equipping forty thousand (40,000) state and local government civil servants with ICT and e-governance skills to boost efficiency and drive digital transformation across the state.
Speaking at the event held at the Dream Event Centre, Makurdi, Monday, Governor Alia said the initiative was designed to enhance transparency, improve service delivery, and lay the foundation for a digitally-driven economy.
He stated that the program includes the introduction of key platforms such as the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), the Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal, and the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal.
“Our goal is to empower the civil service with digital tools necessary to meet the demands of modern governance,” Alia said. He stressed that the training will build a future-ready workforce capable of leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve public services.
The governor acknowledged the support of partners, including the Digital Bridge Institute, in providing world-class training. He noted that the EDMS will significantly improve records management across government institutions, while the BENGIS Portal will simplify land management processes and reduce bureaucratic delays.
He further explained that the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal is designed to support young entrepreneurs with skills development, mentorship, and financial resources, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
The governor urged continuous investment in digital infrastructure and encouraging collaboration among public and private stakeholders to build a sustainable and innovation-driven Benue State.