Benue State Government Flags Off Free Digital Skills For 23,000 Youths

The Benue State Government has officially flagged off the 23,000 Benue Youth Free Digital Skills Training Programme, a landmark digital empowerment initiative through BDIC in collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy and in partnership with AfDIC.

The flag-off ceremony marks a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to building a digitally skilled workforce and positioning Benue as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev.Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, speaking through the Honourable Commissioner for ICT and Digital Economy, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, who represented him at the event, reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to digital transformation and youth empowerment.

The Governor appreciated Cisco Networking Academy for partnering with the state and commended BDIC for driving the implementation of the initiative.

“This opportunity is one we have long worked towards. Since coming on board, expanding access to digital knowledge and technology has remained a top priority. We are determined to ensure that Benue youths are not left behind in the global digital revolution,” the Commissioner stated.

He further disclosed that, in collaboration with the Head of Service, BDIC is currently implementing a large-scale training programme for 40,000 civil servants across the state. So far, 10,000 civil servants in ministries and MDAs have been trained, with the programme already extended to local government levels.

“All these programmes are provided free of charge because it is the mindset of our leader to build capacity, create opportunities and empower our people for the future,” he added.

In his remarks, the GMD/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) Hon. Gbande Hembaor Terwase warmly welcomed partners and participants, emphasizing that the partnership with Cisco Networking Academy is an institution operating in over 130 countries that is a strategic step toward global relevance for Benue youths.

“For those who may not know, Cisco Networking Academy is present in over 130 countries worldwide. Certificates obtained through this platform are globally recognized and open doors to international opportunities. We sincerely appreciate Cisco for bringing this opportunity to Benue State,” he said.

He urged all participants to take the training seriously and remain committed from start to finish.

Beyond the training, the GMD announced that BDIC will provide internship opportunities for participants upon completion of the programme. He also introduced the “Talent Bank” initiative, a strategic project aimed at connecting digitally skilled Benue youths to employment opportunities.

“The Talent Bank is designed to secure digital jobs for our youths. For those without a conducive workspace, BDIC will provide facilities within our office that includes internet access and working tools that will enable them to work effectively once placed,” he explained.

Highlighting BDIC’s achievements in strengthening the state’s digital ecosystem, he noted that over 16 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been connected with active fibre network infrastructure; and BDIC has entered a contract manufacturing partnership with ITS to produce BDIC-branded computers.

He further highlighted a collaboration with Novus Microfinance Bank enables civil servants to acquire computers through flexible payment plans, adding that the Benue Educated Artisans Marketplace has been developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, allowing residents to access verified local artisans across the state digitally.

“These achievements are possible because the Governor has provided the enabling environment and resources necessary to drive digital innovation in Benue State,” he stated.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Imo Akpan, representative of Cisco Networking Academy, commended the Benue State Government for its visionary leadership in prioritizing digital skills development.

“Technology has transformed every aspect of our lives. To thrive in today’s digital world, we must acquire the right skills. That is the essence of this training,” he said.

He explained that the programme aligns with global workforce development standards and supports the Benue State Government’s digital economy agenda.

“For us to become key players in the digital economy, we must understand how to operate within it. The certificates participants will receive are globally recognized. We commend the Governor for placing Benue youths on the global spotlight,” he added.

Participants at the flag-off ceremony expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government and BDIC for facilitating the partnership with Cisco Networking Academy.

They described the initiative as a life changing opportunity that will strengthen their digital competence, enhance employability and open doors to global career prospects.

The official flag-off of the 23,000 Benue Youth Free Digital Skills Training Programme represents a bold step in the state’s digital transformation agenda. With strong political will, strategic partnerships and inclusive policies, Benue State is steadily building a future-ready generation equipped to thrive in the digital economy.