By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on International Investment, Alex Addingi, has resigned his position and declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Buruku Federal Constituency.

Addingi made the declaration while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House in Makurdi, where he decried the level of underdevelopment in Buruku Local Government Area, LGA, and pledged to transform the constituency if elected.

“Buruku has lagged behind in development for too long. I am stepping forward to change that narrative and bring meaningful progress to our people,” he said.

The aspirant promised to drive economic empowerment across the constituency, noting that he had already been supporting his people even before formally declaring his ambition.

Central to his development agenda, Addingi said, is a plan to boost the local economy through large-scale cultivation of hybrid palm trees, with the aim of providing jobs and  positioning Buruku as a major hub for palm oil production in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

He further disclosed that discussions were ongoing with Chinese partners to equip schools in four wards with modern laboratory facilities and create scholarship opportunities for students to study in China.

According to him, youth empowerment remains a top priority, revealing that he is currently training about 5,000 young people in digital skills to reduce unemployment and social vices.

Addingi emphasised that his ambition is driven by a desire to serve and leave a lasting impact, rather than personal gain.
“I am not interested in building mansions or buying flashy cars. My focus is on developing my people,” he stressed.

He also expressed confidence in his chances, citing zoning considerations and widespread support from constituents.
“With the existing zoning arrangement and the support I have received, I am confident that we will achieve empowerment, wealth creation, and a brighter future for Buruku,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in government, Addingi highlighted his role in attracting foreign investments to Benue State, including initiating an exchange programme with a Chinese province and organising the state’s first-ever International Investment Summit.

“These efforts have improved the ease of doing business in Benue and positioned the state as an attractive destination for investors,” he noted.