In an effort to tackle the rising rate of unemployment bedevilling the country, the Benue State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UniCloud Africa and other strategic partners to create 50,000 digital jobs.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the state’s economic development through digital transformation.
Sam Ode, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), stated this during a signing ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ode stated that the initiative targets a six-month completion timeline for the necessary infrastructure.
“Leveraging the expertise and technological solutions provided by UniCloud Africa, this collaboration aims to empower the local workforce with skills in digital technology, fostering job creation and economic growth in the region,” Ode said.
He emphasized that the project aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision to develop the state’s ICT infrastructure and empower its youths.
“With this project, BDIC is taking a bold step towards transforming Benue into a digital hub. This initiative has the potential to unlock a brighter future for the state and its people, embracing the undeniable potentials of the digital age.
“We are committed to reducing unemployment and creating sustainable job opportunities for our people. This partnership with UniCloud Africa is a testament to our dedication to leverage technology and innovation to drive economic development,” the deputy governor added.
Joy Francis, Executive Director of UniCloud Africa Limited, highlighted the company’s investment in various sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare and technology.
The initiative aims to provide training and skill development programmes to equip youths with the necessary skills for the job market.
UniCloud Africa Limited will provide the essential in-country cloud infrastructure for BDIC, hosted at Makurdi data centre, with disaster recovery facilitated by Africa Data Centres.
Represented by Krishnan Ranganath, the Regional Executive for West Africa, Africa Data Centres will ensure that the state’s data stays within Nigeria, even as the initiative is set to leverage the partnership between private sector players and government.
Francis encouraged other state governments to follow Benue State’s lead in promoting Nigeria’s digital economy.
“This large-scale project is designed to be replicated across Nigeria, contributing to a national digitalization and data localization strategy, and fostering job creation for young people,” she said.
“UniCloud Africa and its partners will provide comprehensive support, including technical expertise for construction and ongoing operations, robust data security networks, backup power systems and high-speed fibre optic connectivity.”
The initiative marks a significant step towards harnessing the potentials of digital technologies to drive economic growth and development in Benue State.