The 12th National Council On Communications and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) has commenced in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, with a charge on all states to embrace the digital economy.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia gave the charge while declaring the occasion open.
The governor, who was represented by the state deputy governor, Sam Ode, commended the minister of Communication, innovation and digital economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, for ensuring that Benue State was granted the hosting right against all odds.
He said with current technological advancements, any country or State that does not embrace the digital economy will be left behind, noting that Benue state had since embraced digitization with the creation of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company.
In his address the minister of informed that in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, it has a dedicated National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and other emerging technologies, aimed at transforming the Nigerian digital economy.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry Engineer Faruk Yabo, he disclosed that the ministry has also set up a digital innovation and research facility focused on AI, Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IOT) to help in building a digital country.
In a welcome address, the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Kwaghgba Amande who applauded the governor for his initiative to place Benue on the global map of digital economy said already 23 ICT hubs have been established in all the 23 LGAs of the state targeted at training 23,000 ICT skilled youths that can effectively drive the digital economy of the state.