Mrs Joyce Mimi Addingi, Head of Training at Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), is also an accountant, software developer, data analyst, and assistant cloud engineer. She currently leads digital literacy training for civil servants in Benue State as part of the e-governance policy championed by Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Executive Governor of the state. In an interview with Terese Tse of The Voice, she shares her journey, the impact of the training, and more.
Excerpts:
Have civil servants been receptive to the training on the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)?
Absolutely. There is not just willingness but genuine excitement. For many, it’s their first real exposure to digital tools. As the five-day training progresses, we see participants becoming more confident and eager to adapt so they won’t be left behind in today’s digital world.
Some civil servants fear they might miss out. How are participants selected, and how long will the training last?
Due to the number involved, the training is phased. Names are sent through the Head of Service to ensure fair representation across MDAs. Each batch trains 300 civil servants per week, and the program will continue until all 40,000 workers are covered.
How is this training boosting productivity and transparency?
It’s transformative. Participants learn how to process documents quickly, retrieve records, reduce paperwork and errors. The EDMS introduces traceability and transparency, eliminating issues like file loss and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Naturally, productivity improves.
What challenges have you encountered during the training?
Some participants are digital novices, struggling with basic tasks like creating emails. Infrastructure issues like electricity and internet interruptions also affect sessions. Occasionally, some show up uninvited, feeling left out because their colleagues have trained. We try to accommodate them fairly. Despite setbacks, the enthusiasm and commitment make each challenge a success story.
How would you rate Benue’s ICT compliance compared to other states?
Benue is in a significant transition. While states like Lagos and Rivers are ahead, Benue is closing the gap rapidly. What makes this effort unique is its inclusivity—civil servants from rural LGAs like Vandeikya, Otukpo, and Zaki-Biam are all involved. This ensures a simultaneous, statewide impact.
What message do you have for the government and civil servants?
Digital literacy is here to stay. This training provides lifelong skills that go beyond certificates. Some initially ignore it, only to realize its importance later from their colleagues. We advise all to show up early and take it seriously. It’s about empowerment and service efficiency. This should be a legacy that lasts beyond this administration.
As an accountant, what drew you into IT?
I was once an accountant under a boss who mismanaged funds. Seeing salaries unpaid despite income inflow prompted me to explore alternatives. I later got a scholarship for computer programming in 2010 from Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos. That was my turning point.
You were once computer illiterate. What inspired your transformation?
As at 2010, I didn’t even know where the Start button was. During my first training, I asked basic questions like how to open Notepad. But I was never ashamed to ask. The facilitator noticed and gave me special attention. Passion, curiosity, and willingness to learn are key. Today, with AI and endless online resources, learning tech is easier than ever.
What’s your five-year vision?
I plan to establish a digital skills and innovation hub to train thousands and mentor, especially women and underserved youth. My foundation is already in motion, and I hope to scale it nationwide to promote ICT for entrepreneurship and governance.
How do you balance work and family?
It hasn’t been easy. My children used to complain about my screen time, but it eventually involved them. My daughter designed a logo in SSS1 and earned ₦15,000, which boosted her interest. Now, we all engage in digital tasks together; even my husband shares online business opportunities. We’ve turned it into a family affair.
