Benue South Senate Race Heats Up as Dr. David Olofu Unveils Bold, People-Driven Agenda

Juliet Akoje In Abuja.

A contestant for the Benue South Senatorial seat, Dr. David Olofu, has promised all inclusive leadership during his statewide consultations with a strategic engagement in Lagos state.

In his address, Dr. Olofu
when he met leaders and delegates of socio-cultural organizations representing the nine local government areas of the Benue South Senatorial District stressed the need for a new style of representation anchored on inclusion, equity, collective prosperity, and transparent leadership, stressing that Benue South requires transformative governance.

He thanked participants for their dedication and pointed to the symbolic relevance of Lagos, describing it as Nigeria’s economic heartbeat and a fitting venue for such dialogue.

“Lagos, like London, operates on the principle that time is money. No matter where we reside, many of us share a deep dissatisfaction with the situation in Benue South. After wide consultations and careful reflection, I resolved to pursue this mandate,” he said.

Dr. Olofu explained that extensive engagements with traditional rulers, community figures, professionals, and grassroots actors informed a robust legislative blueprint structured around four core themes: People, Power, Prosperity, and Progress.

Painting a vivid picture of the district’s potential, he noted that from the fertile farmlands of Apa and Agatu to the hills of Oju and Obi, and from the vibrant towns of Otukpo and Ohimini to the palm-lined communities of Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadigbo, Benue South possesses vast but underutilized resources.

He emphasized that the collective task is to transform these endowments into lasting economic gains for present and future generations.

Dr. Olofu identified twelve key areas that would guide his legislative interventions: agriculture and food security; education and human capital development; health and social welfare; entrepreneurship and youth empowerment; information and communication technology and innovation; infrastructure and road development; local government reforms; security and peacebuilding; law, order, and justice; industry and energy collaboration; diaspora engagement; and women and sports development.

He reiterated that meaningful representation must deliver fair policies, even development, and just distribution of resources across all communities within the district.

To formalize public participation in governance, he announced plans to establish two platforms—the Benue South Peoples Assembly (BSPA) and the Benue South Peoples Council (BSPC)—aimed at giving citizens a structured voice in decision-making.

Explaining the choice of venue, Dr. Olofu described Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub and Africa’s third-largest economy, noting that a substantial population of Benue South indigenes live and work there.

The engagement attracted goodwill messages from prominent leaders and professionals, including Chief Abdul, Rt. Hon. John Ngbede, Prof. David Salihu, Dr. Peter Adejo, Chief Patrick Ogbu, Barr. Jacob Ogwuche, Hon. Edwin Okpe, retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Odaudu Salihu, retired AIG Tony Olofu, Dr. Michael Adah, retired Rear Admiral Andy Onoja Odeh, Dr. Mike Adah, and Godwin Onyeke.

Among other, Rt. Hon. John Ngbede commended Dr. Olofu’s inclusive outreach, noting that all Idoma dialect groups—Igede, Utonkon, Akpa, Edumoga, and others—were represented.

He described the consultation as unprecedented and praised Dr. Olofu’s empathy and integrity, portraying him as a leader capable of uniting the people.

Elder statesman Alhaji Usman Lungu called on supporters to galvanize backing for Dr. Olofu across political party lines. In the same vein, Chief Luke Akubo, the Och’Idoma in Lagos, offered prayers and blessings, lauding the aspirant’s philanthropic record, experience in governance, and dedication to the advancement of the Idoma nation.

Popular entertainer Chris Adaba Aba, known as Mad Lion, characterized the agenda as bold but consistent with Dr. Olofu’s sincere commitment to the Idoma cause.

Also, Community organizer Madam Cynthia Egwa also described the meeting as historic, saying it represented a clarion call for Benue South people to unite behind purposeful leadership.

Other contributors compared the consultation process to a “know-your-customer” (KYC) approach to governance, arguing that the necessary resources and influence for meaningful change already exist if citizens embrace a new direction.

However, the Lagos meeting represents another significant step in Dr. Olofu’s ongoing consultations, further affirming his pledge to pursue an inclusive, people-driven legislative agenda for the Benue South Senatorial District.