Aspirant for the Benue South Senatorial seat, Dr. David Olofu, on Saturday extended his consultation drive beyond Benue State, meeting with leaders of sociocultural, professional, and community groups from the district’s nine local government areas in Lagos.
Olofu said his decision to seek a seat in the Senate was informed by growing dissatisfaction with the quality of leadership and representation in Benue South, arguing that the zone needs a new governance approach anchored on inclusion, fairness, and results.
In a statement signed by his Campaign Coordinator, Adakole Elijah, the aspirant described Lagos as a critical hub for stakeholder engagement.
“Lagos is where value is created at speed,” Olofu said. “Many of our people live and work here, contribute significantly to national development, yet remain deeply concerned about developments back home. After listening widely and reflecting deeply, I resolved to step forward.”
He explained that months of consultations with traditional rulers, professionals, youth leaders, women groups, and grassroots stakeholders across Benue South had produced a clear legislative vision built around four pillars — People, Power, Prosperity, and Progress.
Describing Benue South as one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich but under-utilised regions, Olofu said effective representation must focus on converting natural endowments and human capital into sustainable economic and social growth.
“From the farmlands of Apa and Agatu to the commercial centres of Otukpo and Ohimini, and the communities of Oju, Obi, Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadigbo, Benue South has everything it needs to thrive. What has been missing is purposeful representation,” he said.
Olofu outlined 12 priority areas for his proposed Senate agenda, including agriculture and food security, education, healthcare, youth and enterprise development, ICT and innovation, infrastructure, security, justice, energy and industrial partnerships, diaspora engagement, local government reform, and women and sports development.
To deepen accountability and citizen participation, he announced plans to institutionalise constituency engagement through the Benue South Peoples Assembly and the Benue South Peoples Council, which he said would ensure continuous dialogue between elected representatives and constituents.
Explaining the choice of Lagos for the engagement, Olofu described the city as a strategic centre of influence and economic power, noting that a large population of Benue South indigenes resides there.
“This is Nigeria’s economic engine and one of Africa’s largest economies. Ignoring the voices of our people here would be a strategic error,” he said.
Broad Support, Unified Message
Stakeholders at the meeting—including former lawmakers, security chiefs, academics, and community leaders—commended the scope and inclusiveness of the consultations.
Rt. Hon. John Ngbede described the engagement as unprecedented, noting that several Idoma dialect groups were represented. “This level of consultation reflects sincerity and unity of purpose. Dr. Olofu has shown that he understands the people,” he said.
Elder statesman Alhaji Usman Lungu urged supporters to mobilise across party lines, while Chief Luke Akubo, the Och’Idoma in Lagos, praised Olofu’s philanthropy and governance credentials, offering prayers for a successful political journey.
Entertainment figure Chris Adaba Aba (Mad Lion) and community organiser Cynthia Egwa described the agenda as ambitious but realistic, urging Benue South stakeholders to rally behind what they called a generational opportunity for change.
Participants agreed that the Lagos engagement signals a shift toward a more deliberate, people-driven model of political representation as consultations continue across Benue South.
Olofu Meets Benue South Diaspora in Lagos, Outlines Senate Vision
