Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia signed an agreement with China’s technology giant Huawei targeting to transform the ‘food basket’ into a modern digital hub capable of boosting the economy.
Governor Alia arrived Guangzhou city of China on Tuesday for an important working visit to Huawei Headquarters working for beneficial partnership with the company.
The Governor on a Facebook post said, “Today, we took a giant leap forward in our journey to transform Benue State into a modern, digitally connected hub.”
Governor Alia explained that “At Huawei Technologies Headquarters in Shenzhen, China, we signed a historic partnership to build a Smart Benue State.”
According to him, the partnership with Huawei will revolutionize Benue State’s infrastructure, enhance security, improve education and healthcare, as well create countless job opportunities for the people.
“We must be intentional about the development of our dear state, for ourselves and future generations.
The Benue State Governor was received on arrival in China by the Consul-General of Nigeria in Guangzhou, George Collins, Charles Liu and Channel Manager of Huawei Technologies Limited, China, Engineer Emmanuel Ochie, Managing Director of Certified Systems Limited, Eric Liu-Hai Qing, CEO of Sinoki Systems Limited, alongside members of the advance team: Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, Commissioner for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Reverend Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management; Mr. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, MD/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC).
Also acompanying the Governor on this trip is the Chief of Staff Honourable Paul Biam, Alex Addingi, Special Adviser on International Investment; the MD/CEO of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), and other key players committed to advancing Benue’s economy through innovation.
Governor Alia in an earlier post said “Together, they are forging partnerships that will open doors for technological growth, improved infrastructure, and opportunities that will directly benefit our people. Huawei, a global leader in innovation, is Benue’s partner in this endeavor, and the collaboration aims to bring its transformative technologies to the state, positioning us as a hub for the digital economy.”
Governor Alia recently launched a Benue Tech Skills programme which experienced a surge in participation from local youth, highlighting their eagerness to embrace technology and the opportunities that it offers.
The State is also partnering with Galaxy Backbone Limited in Abuja to deliver on its ambitious technology schemes that aim to create jobs for millions of youths.
NewsQuest recalls that Governor Alia has since created two key agencies: the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC) and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA) to help drive this process.
