Civil servants in Benue State will now be able to own laptops and other essential digital devices without paying the full cost upfront, following the launch of the EasyOwn Digital Asset Financing Platform by the state government.
The platform was officially unveiled at the Office of the Head of Service as part of efforts by the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to digitize the state civil service and improve service delivery through technology.
In his address, the Head of Service, Mr Agbogbo Odeh, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor for creating an enabling environment for digital reform in the state. He noted that Governor Alia’s vision for a modern, technology-driven civil service has already started producing visible results in less than three years.
“His Excellency gave us a clear picture of what a digitally transformed civil service should look like and directed that the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy be established immediately. Today, we are witnesses to that commitment,” he said.
Odeh further disclosed that the EasyOwn initiative aligns with the ongoing digital skills training of over 43,000 civil servants across Benue State. According to him, making digital assets affordable will support the training programme and ensure officers are properly equipped to function in a fully digitized economy.
The Head of Service commended the GMD/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Hon. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, AFCPN, for presenting the initiative. He pledged the support of the civil service and formally declared the project unveiled.
Representing the GMD/CEO of BDIC, Engr. Michael Idu, Head, Cooperate Services, BDIC, described the launch as a major step in the state’s digital journey. He explained that the partnership between BDIC and Novus Microfinance Bank was structured to allow civil servants own digital devices without the burden of paying the full amount at once.
He noted that through the platform, beneficiaries will receive devices supplied by BDIC under a structured loan arrangement facilitated by Novus MFB. This arrangement, he said, makes digital tools more accessible and affordable for workers across the state.
Managing Director of Novus Microfinance Bank, Mrs. Patricia Goja, emphasized that the institution remains focused on delivering practical financial solutions beyond conventional lending.
“Through EasyOwn, civil servants can now own essential devices and pay conveniently over time. Access to digital tools enhances efficiency, supports professional growth, and improves overall quality of life. This initiative is about empowerment and bridging the digital gap,” she stated.
In his vote of thanks, the representative of the Honourable Commissioner of ICT and Digital Economy, Dr. Elvis Ogenyi, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Welfare, Office of the Head of Service, described the partnership between BDIC and Novus MFB as a significant boost to the digitalization of the Benue civil service. He appreciated the state government, BDIC and Novus for driving a project aimed at strengthening service delivery and promoting professional growth among civil servants.
The EasyOwn platform is expected to accelerate the state’s digital transformation agenda by ensuring that civil servants are not only trained but fully equipped to thrive in a modern digital economy.
