The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security to enhance the security of displaced population and ensure timely responses to both man-made and natural disasters across the state.
Signing the MoU at the Benue State Emergency Management Agency’s headquarters in Makurdi on Monday, the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, Dr. James Iorpuu said, the MoU is necessitated by the challenges faced by the IDPs’ host communities and other citizens.
Sir Iorpuu maintained that the challenges demand innovative and technology-driven solutions to strengthen the capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.
“This partnership is therefore timely, as it seeks to integrate advanced digital tools into our operations, enabling us to better serve the people of Benue state. Today, we are setting the stage for a new era in emergency management and humanitarian response.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to aligning our services with international standards, thereby positioning Benue as a model for other states in Nigeria”.
The BSEMA boss said the expertise and resources of the agencies would undoubtedly contribute to the initiative’s success. “As we append our signatures to this MoU today, let it serve as a testament to our collective resolve to build a safer, more resilient and better prepared Benue.
“Let us work together to ensure that this partnership delivers the intended results and transforms the lives of our people”.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and commended the Managing Director of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company Plc, Hon. Terwase Gbande and the Director General of the Bureau of Homeland Security, Retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan for their collaboration and support.
In his remarks, Hon. Gbande stated that Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) was established to transform the state’s digital landscape by developing, deploying and maintaining cutting-edge digital infrastructure. He described the MoU as a strategic collaboration to enhance real-time monitoring of hazardous and emergency situations through linkages with other situation rooms across the state.
“This partnership is a step forward to achieving a sustainable and technology-driven future. It aligns with the goals of fostering sustainable development and digital innovation”.
On his part, the Director of the Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan noted that, the MoU would help improve security in market places, IDP camps, rural communities as well as address border security challenges.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, described the MoU as part of a “durable solution” aimed at addressing Benue’s security challenges and called for the strict implementation of the agreement.
In his speech during the occasion, the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, highlighted the government’s efforts to leverage global and international summits to attract development. He referenced the outcomes of the Digital Government Africa 2024 summit in Zambia and ICT summit in China, where Governor Alia and his team prioritized e-government, digital skills, fintech and digital identity.
Hon. Amande also urged civil servants to eliminate absenteeism and truancy as BDIC will commence monitoring workers’ attendance at their various workplaces across the state from January 1, 2025.
Prof. Gabriel Akpen, Director General of the Bureau for Special Projects and Infrastructure, commended Governor Alia for his commitment to ICT development and emergency management even as he assured stakeholders that the MoU would be fully supported to safeguard lives and improve the living conditions of the vulnerable population and the general public.
