The deputy governor of Benue state, Sam Ode, has said the state government is raising N93 billion bond for the establishment of a Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) to tackle insecurity, foster economic growth as well as enhance the quality of life of citizens.
Sam Ode who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Digital Security Town Hall meeting held at Royal Choice Inn, Makurdi, also said the state is targeting revenue generation of at least N158 billion yearly for the next ten years.
He said BDIC project, when fully achieved, will represent a substantial investment in Benue state’s digital future, with a focus on providing high-speed internet access, enhancing digital literacy, and driving technological innovation throughout the state.
He noted that Governor Alia-led administration is working to bridge the digital divide in Benue state and improve security and the economy of the state.
He said since assumption of office, the governor met serious security problems and has been working to end it.
“Since assumption of office, we met a very terrible security situation. There were killings everywhere and property worth billions of naira were destroyed.
“To solve the problem, we sat down and redesigned security architecture of the state. The governor also went for best hands to coordinate security of the state and established Bureau for Home Land Security, and visited all heads of security agencies to make them understand what is happening in the state.
“This move by the governor has assisted a lot to bring down the insecurity in the state to a minimal level and we are willing to do more.
Special adviser to the governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, in his address at the occasion said insecurity has grown in the state and it needed all hands on deck.