Dr. David Olofu Engages Benue South Stakeholders in Lagos, Unveils People-Centred Legislative Blueprint

By Iyojo Ameh

Dr. David Olofu, a foremost aspirant for the Benue South Senatorial seat, on Saturday continued his consultative outreach with a strategic meeting involving leaders and representatives of socio-cultural groups from the nine Local Government Areas of the Benue South Senatorial District.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Olofu emphasized the urgent need for a new model of representation founded on inclusiveness, equity, shared prosperity, and accountable leadership. He expressed appreciation to the participants for their commitment and highlighted the strategic importance of Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub.
“Lagos, like London, is a place where time truly means money. Many of our people, regardless of where they live, are deeply concerned about the realities in Benue South today. After extensive consultations and deep reflection, I have resolved to present myself for this responsibility,” Dr. Olofu said.
He explained that wide-ranging engagements with traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, and grassroots stakeholders informed the formulation of a comprehensive legislative agenda built around four core pillars: People, Power, Prosperity, and Progress.
“From the fertile plains of Apa and Agatu to the undulating terrains of Oju and Obi; from the vibrant communities of Otukpo and Ohimini to the serene landscapes of Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadigbo, Benue South is abundantly endowed with vast yet underutilized resources. Our collective responsibility is to convert this potential into lasting prosperity for the present generation and those yet unborn,” he stated.
Key Legislative Priorities
Dr. Olofu outlined twelve priority areas that would guide his legislative interventions. These include:
Agriculture and food security
Education and human capital development
Health and social welfare
Entrepreneurship and youth empowerment
ICT and innovation
Infrastructure and road development
Local government reforms
Security and peacebuilding
Law, order, and justice
Industry and energy collaboration
Diaspora engagement
Women and sports development
He stressed that effective representation must translate into fair policies, balanced development, and equitable distribution of resources across all communities. To institutionalize citizen participation, he revealed plans to establish the Benue South Peoples Assembly (BSPA) and the Benue South Peoples Council (BSPC).
Why Lagos?
Explaining the choice of Lagos as the venue, Dr. Olofu noted: “Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat and the third-largest economy in Africa. A significant number of our people live and work here, and their contributions are critical to shaping the future of Benue South.”
Voices of Support
The engagement featured goodwill messages from notable 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, Rtd. Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Odaudu Salihu, AIG Tony Olofu (rtd.), Dr. Michael Adah, Rear Admiral Andy Onoja Odeh (rtd.), Dr. Mike Adah, Godwin Onyeke, among others.
Rt. Hon. John Ngbede praised Dr. Olofu’s inclusive approach, stating: “All dialects of Idoma are represented here—Igede, Utonkon, Akpa, Edumoga, and others. This level of consultation is unprecedented. Dr. Olofu’s compassion and integrity clearly distinguish him as a unifying figure.”
Veteran statesman Alhaji Usman Lungu urged supporters to mobilize across party lines in support of Dr. Olofu, while the Och’Idoma in Lagos, Chief Luke Akubo, offered prayers and blessings, commending the aspirant’s philanthropy, administrative competence, and commitment to the liberation and advancement of the Idoma people.
Entertainment personality Chris Adaba Aba, popularly known as Mad Lion, described the legislative agenda as bold and far-reaching, reflecting Dr. Olofu’s sincerity and dedication to the Idoma cause. Similarly, community mobilizer Madam Cynthia Egwa described the meeting as historic, noting that it represented a collective call for Benue South to embrace visionary leadership.
Other speakers likened the consultative approach to a governance model inspired by “know-your-customer” (KYC) principles, emphasizing that the human and material resources required for transformation already exist if the people choose a new leadership direction.
The Lagos engagement marks another significant milestone in Dr. Olofu’s ongoing consultations across the district, further reinforcing his commitment to a people-driven and inclusive legislative agenda for the Benue South Senatorial District.