The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC) has unveiled a 4-in-1 strategic plan for startups in the technology sector as part of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship growth and advancing digital inclusion in the state.
The BDIC in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, through the Benue Agro Innovation Hub (BAIHub), organised the Benue Startup Ecosystem Buildup at the weekend in Makurdi.
Over 60 participants, including startups, tech entrepreneurs, and innovators came together to utilize the platform for showcasing projects, discussing challenges, exploring opportunities, and receiving mentorship.
Unveiling the 4-in-1 strategic plan for startups, Mr. Solomon Yateghtegh, BDIC’s Group Head for Startup Support, Innovative Solutions, Digital Skills, and Capacity Building, said the Startup Ecosystem Buildup is to strengthen the tech ecosystem, while Hackathon is an innovation challenge to promote creative solutions; adding that an incubation programme for accelerating startup growth, and Benue Innovation Week for networking and exposure, are also part of the strategies.
Yateghtegh, who represented the Managing Director of BDIC, Mr. Terwase Gbande, expressed concerns over the increasing migration of Benue’s startups and innovators to Lagos in search of better opportunities.
He stressed that similar support structures exist within the state and encouraged young entrepreneurs to leverage local resources. As part of efforts to bridge the awareness gap, five startups pitched their solutions and innovations, receiving valuable feedback to refine their business models.
Startups in attendance expressed enthusiasm about BDIC’s initiatives and the state government’s commitment to digital innovation, recognizing the potential impact on employment, investment, and economic growth.
A panel session moderated by Mary Oigocho, BAIHub’s Focal Person in Makurdi, featured insights from industry experts. Ivry Odia, Senior Enterprise Account Manager at CloudPlexo Pro Labs Ltd (an AWS partner), highlighted opportunities available through Amazon Web Services (AWS) and how startups can attract support from the global tech giant.
Mr. Karkaa Joel Shirgba, BDIC’s Unit Head for Innovative Solutions, emphasised the importance of intellectual property protection, including trademarks and patents, to safeguard startup innovations.
Yateghtegh reaffirmed BDIC’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital startup ecosystem in Benue State. He emphasised Governor Alia’s dedication to equipping youth with digital skills, expanding employment opportunities, and positioning local startups for global exposure and investment.
The governor’s administration, he said, is creating avenues for Benue entrepreneurs to participate in international tech expos and establish strategic business partnerships