Olofu Engages Benue South Stakeholders In Lagos, Unveils Legislative Agenda

Dr David Olofu, an aspirant for the Benue South Senatorial seat, on Saturday met with leaders and representatives of sociocultural groups from the nine local government areas of the district in Lagos as part of his ongoing stakeholder consultations.

At the meeting, Olofu said his aspiration was driven by the need for inclusive and accountable representation, stressing that many people from the zone were dissatisfied with the current state of affairs.

“Lagos, like London, is where time is money. Many of us, regardless of where we live, are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in Benue South. After extensive consultations and deep reflection, I decided to seek this office,” he said.

Olofu said consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals and grassroots stakeholders informed his legislative agenda, which he said was anchored on four pillars: People, Power, Prosperity and Progress.

“From the fertile lands of Apa and Agatu to the rolling hills of Oju and Obi; from the bustling energy of Otukpo and Ohimini to the whispering palms of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadigbo, Benue South is endowed with enormous untapped wealth. Our collective responsibility is to convert this potential into sustainable prosperity for this generation and generations unborn,” he said.

He listed his priority areas to include agriculture and food security, education and human capital development, health and social welfare, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, ICT and innovation, infrastructure and road networks, local government reforms, security and peacebuilding, law and justice, industry and energy partnerships, diaspora engagement, and women and sports development.

According to him, effective representation must result in equitable policies and balanced development across communities. He also announced plans to establish the Benue South Peoples Assembly and the Benue South Peoples Council to promote citizen participation in governance.

Explaining the choice of Lagos for the engagement, Olofu said the city remained strategic due to its economic significance and its large population of people from Benue South.

“Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and the third-largest economy in Africa. A significant number of our people live and work here, and their voices are critical in shaping the future of Benue South,” he said.

Several stakeholders at the event expressed support for Olofu’s aspiration. Rt. Hon. John Ngbede described the engagement as inclusive and unprecedented.

“All dialects of Idoma are represented here—Igede, Utonkon, Akpa, Edumoga and others. This is the first time we are witnessing such an extensive consultation. Dr Olofu’s compassion and integrity clearly distinguish him as a unifying leader,” Ngbede said.

Elder statesman Alhaji Usman Lungu urged supporters to mobilise across party lines for Olofu, while Chief Luke Akubo, the Och’Idoma in Lagos, prayed for the success of the aspiration, citing the aspirant’s commitment to community development.

Also speaking, entertainment figure Chris Adaba Aba, popularly known as Mad Lion, described the agenda as ambitious, while community organiser Cynthia Egwa said the consultation signalled a renewed call for unity and visionary leadership in Benue South.

The Lagos meeting is part of Olofu’s ongoing consultations with stakeholders across the country ahead of the senatorial contest.