Benue State Governor Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has been honoured as one of Nigeria’s “50 Most Valuable Personalities in the Digital Economy 2025,” an annual recognition celebrating visionary leaders whose initiatives are reshaping the country’s digital landscape.
The award, presented by Knowhow Media under the IT Edge News.Africa banner, will be formally conferred at The Colosseum, Lagos, on May 22, as part of the larger West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) themed “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.”
Since taking office, Governor Alia has championed a bold, technology-driven governance agenda aimed at diversifying Benue State’s economy and promoting inclusive digital growth.
As part of this drive, his administration established the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy alongside two pioneering agencies—the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Together, these institutions have spearheaded efforts to streamline e-governance processes, ramp up ICT infrastructure, and empower youth through skills training and entrepreneurship support.
Under Governor Alia’s stewardship, BDIC has emerged as the linchpin of Benue’s digital transformation. In just over a year, the agency has forged partnerships with the Digital Bridge Institute to launch training hubs across all 23 local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
It has also introduced AI and coding curricula in 15 pilot secondary schools, initiated a framework for fibre‑optic deployment, and advanced digital financial inclusion programmes.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia’s office has overseen the launch of a paperless Executive Council Management System, trained more than 40,000 civil servants in e‑governance tools and data privacy, and empowered 10,000 young people with digital toolkits designed to boost employability and entrepreneurial ventures.
Furthering his commitment to local tech talent, Governor Alia has recruited over 60 software and hardware engineers to foster innovation within the state.
He has also embarked on licence applications with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission to introduce e‑payment services, internet service provision, and e‑television broadcasting, respectively.
Across all 276 council wards, the administration has established e‑commerce hubs that enable artisans and small businesses to market local products to a wider audience.
According to the organisers, selection for the 50MVPs accolade is based on criteria such as innovation and vision, impact and influence, leadership, and sustainability.
“More than just a recognition, the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy gathers the nation’s foremost change‑makers to chart new pathways for economic growth,” said Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee.
Past honourees include Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the National Development Planning Commission; and Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty.
Governor Alia’s inclusion among the 2025 Digital Economy MVPs underscores his pioneering approach to ICT reform and visionary leadership in advancing Nigeria’s digital agenda.
As he prepares to join fellow laureates in Lagos next week, stakeholders anticipate further announcements on how Benue State will build on these achievements to drive sustainable, technology‑led growth.
