The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has launched four electronic governance platforms developed by the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company Plc (BDIC) as part of his administration’s vision for a digitally transformed Benue.
The governor, who also unveiled the training of 40,000 civil servants in digital tools and ICT skills in Makurdi on Monday, stressed that the event marked a watershed in the transformative journey of his administration which is determined to revolutionalize the way government does business.
The solutions launched were Benue State Government Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), Benue State Geographic Information System (BENGIS) portal, Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal and the Office of the Benue State Head of Service Website.
He said, “This event marks a defining moment in our collective pursuit of the digital transformation of the state. Today, we are not merely unveiling these technological platforms, we are empowering our people; enhancing transparency, and exposing them to the limitless opportunities of a digitally driven economy. These platforms will improve service delivery, streamline administrative processes, create opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. The most significant aspect of this transformation is in the training of 40, 000 civil servants of our dear state and the local government areas. This capacity building exercise will ensure that our workforce is equipped with the digital skills required to efficiently operate within the new Benue State Government Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). With this training, we are fostering a future-ready workforce that can adapt to the demands of the rapidly evolving world.”
He appreciated the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Galaxy Backbone Ltd for their sustained support in ensuring that the project to transform the digital landscape of Benue was a success.
Elaborating the e-governance platforms , Gov Alia said the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) will revolutionize the way government entities manage records and official correspondences, ensure faster decision making while enhancing transparency and productivity. He added that the Benue State Geographic Information System (BENGIS) portal will facilitate seamless access to land management services and eliminate bureaucratic delays; while the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal is a deliberate step to nurture youths’ entrepreneurial spirit while stating that the Office of the Benue State Head of Service Website is already working.
Earlier, the Managing Director and the CEO of the BDIC, Hon Terwase Gbande, while thanking the governor for his support which has enabled him deliver on the project, said Benue was leading the charge in digital transformation of a largely analogue civil service in Nigeria.
He said, “What we are doing today is the governor of Benue State don’t expect you to travel from Abuja to submit a document to his office or to the Head of Service to any MDA in Benue State. If you are in UK, if you are in US, if you are in Lagos, in Kano, you create an account, get your file, your document submitted, and the ministry will track that immediately. It’s part of the reason why are launching these digital platforms today. “His Excellency mandated us that, look, the issue in lands is something else. How can we make this system work efficiently and transparently in a manner that Benue State citizens can easily process their land titles and land documents? He gave us basically three months to do that. And because of some administrative challenges, we extend to the fourth month that we are launching this today.
“Upon this launch, you don’t need to go to land any longer. You don’t need to go to BENGIS any longer for you to see your application for land titles processing. And the Governor will not be signing land titles manually again. We have automated the whole process.”
The president of DBI, Engr. David Daser and the CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji were present at the launch and will contribute significantly to the training of the civil servants. Other partners also present were representatives of the Head of the Service of the Federation, NITDA, and Galaxy Backbone Ltd.
