Benue Politics: Ex-Alia Aide Alex Addingi Eyes Reps Seat, Unveils Development Blueprint

Alia’s Former Aide, Addingi, Declares for House of Reps, Vows to Empower, Develop His People
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Former Adviser to the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on International Investment, Mr.

Alex Addingi, has formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat to represent Buruku Federal Constituency.
Addingi made the declaration at a press conference in Makurdi on Monday, stating that Buruku Local Government Area has lagged behind in development and that he is determined to change the narrative.
He outlined plans to transform the constituency, including boosting its economy through large-scale cultivation of hybrid palm trees, with the aim of positioning Buruku as a major hub for palm oil production in Benue State and across Nigeria.
He also revealed that he is in discussions with Chinese partners to equip schools across the four wards in Buruku with modern laboratory facilities and to create scholarship opportunities for students to further their education in China.
In addition, Addingi disclosed that he is currently training about 5,000 youths in digital skills as part of efforts to empower them and reduce social vices.
According to him, his ambition is not driven by personal gain but by a commitment to building a lasting legacy.
“I am not interested in building mansions or buying flashy cars. My focus is on developing my people,” he said.
He further noted that zoning arrangements favour his candidacy and expressed confidence that he represents the aspirations of his constituents.
Addingi pledged that his leadership would focus on empowerment, wealth creation, and ensuring a brighter future for the people of Buruku. He recalled that during his tenure as Special Adviser, he played a key role in attracting foreign investors to Benue State.
He added that he spearheaded an exchange programme with a province in China which has already yielded tangible results, and also organized the first-ever Benue International Investment Summit. According to him, these efforts contributed significantly to improving the ease of doing business in the state, thereby attracting foreign investment.
Addingi assured that he would bring his experience to bear if elected and urged his constituents to support his ambition.
He also donated improved palm tree seedlings to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council.