…Unveils People-Centred Legislative Agenda

Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

As 2027 politicking gains ground,  aspirant for the Benue South Senate seat, Dr. David Olofu, has held strategic engagement with leaders and representatives of social cultural groups from the Senatorial District, in Lagos, at the weekend.

The meeting was in continuation of his series of strategic stakeholder- engagements across the country, with a view to mobilising massive support for his ambition, according to a statement by Adakole Elijah, Dr. Olofu’s Campaign Coordinator, in Abuja.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Olofu emphasized the urgent need for a transformative representation built on inclusivity, fairness, shared prosperity, and accountable leadership.

He expressed gratitude to attendees for their commitment and highlighted the symbolic importance of Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

“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,” Dr. Olofu said.

He revealed that wide-ranging consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, and grassroots stakeholders shaped a comprehensive legislative agenda organized around 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 stated.

Legislative Focus Areas

Dr. Olofu outlined twelve priority areas for his legislative interventions: Agriculture and food security; Education and human capital development; Health and social welfare;

Entrepreneurship and youth empowerment;

Infrastructure and road networks; and

Security and peacebuilding, among others.

He stressed that effective representation must translate into equitable policies, balanced development, and fair resource allocation across all communities.

 To institutionalize citizen participation, Dr. Olofu announced plans to establish the Benue South Peoples Assembly (BSPA) and the Benue South Peoples Council (BSPC).

Lagos: A Strategic Choice

Explaining why Lagos was chosen for the engagement, Dr. Olofu noted:

“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.”

Stakeholder Endorsements

The event featured goodwill messages from notable leaders and professionals, including Rt. Hon. John Ngbede, Prof. David Salihu, Dr. Peter Adejo, Chief Patrick Ogbu, Barr. Jacob Ogwuche, Hon. Edwin Okpe, and Rtd. Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Odaudu Salihu.

Others were:  AIG Tony Olofu (rtd.), Dr. Michael Adah, Rear Admiral Andy Onoja Odeh (rtd.), Dr. Mike Adah, and Godwin Onyeke, among others.

Rt. Hon. John Ngbede praised Dr. Olofu’s inclusive approach saying,

“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.”

Elderstatesman Alhaji Usman Lungu urged loyalists to mobilize support across party lines for Dr. Olofu, while Chief Luke Akubo, the Och’Idoma in Lagos, offered prayers and blessings, commending the aspirant’s philanthropy, governance experience, and commitment to the emancipation of the Idoma nation.

Entertainment figure, Chris Adaba Aba, also known as Mad Lion, described the agenda as ambitious yet reflective of Dr. Olofu’s genuine commitment to the Idoma cause.

 Similarly,thought community organizer Madam Cynthia Egwa called the engagement unprecedented, noting that it signaled a call for the people of Benue South to rally behind a visionary leader.

The Lagos engagement marks another milestone in Dr. Olofu’s ongoing consultations, reinforcing his commitment to a people-centred, inclusive legislative agenda for the Benue South Senatorial District.