Abuja: Dr David Olofu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Party (ADC), has expressed that the developmental challenges facing Benue South Senatorial District can be overcome with commitment, unity of purpose, and coordination. Olofu, who has served twice as Commissioner for Finance in Benue and is a prospective aspirant for the Benue South Senatorial District position in 2027, made these remarks during an interactive session with members of the Idoma Editors Forum in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olofu emphasized that the challenges faced by the people of Benue South are not insurmountable. He highlighted the importance of training, experience, exposure, network, and goodwill in providing the necessary coordination to address these issues. Olofu called for an end to lamentation and stressed the need for a new approach to tackle the district’s challenges effectively.
Olofu, who previously served as the Senior Technical Adviser to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, stated that the development of the zone requires a collective effort from all individuals originating from the area. He underscored that overcoming these challenges is not a one-man show but rather an inclusive effort involving everyone, including those residing outside the zone. He proposed the creation of a framework to unify efforts towards improving the quality of life for the people, which he believes democracy should aim to achieve.
Further, Olofu argued that the role of the National Assembly extends beyond lawmaking to ensuring good governance, where Nigerians can feel the impact of the laws enacted. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the laws positively impact the people if elected into office. He plans to approach this by establishing the Benue South People’s Assembly (BSPA), which will include representatives from the Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and chairpersons of all nine Local Government Areas in the zone.
Olofu explained that the BSPA will have representatives from each ward in the senatorial district and will convene annually before the preparation of national and state budgets. He believes this governance structure will decentralize power from individual representatives and focus on agenda setting for the zone’s development.
He views the upcoming 2027 elections as an opportunity for the people of Benue South to take a different approach to achieve the results they deserve. Olofu has consulted with key stakeholders in the zone and described the response as overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. He intends to continue these consultations to develop a comprehensive program to address the district’s challenges.
Olofu outlined his vision for the zone, which includes establishing a constituency office to stimulate development and create industrial corridors to curb unemployment and address security challenges. He pledged to change the current orientation and structure to ensure effective representation and development for the people of Benue South.