By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
A former Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on International Investment, Hon. Alex Addingi, has declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Buruku Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House in Makurdi, Addingi outlined plans to drive development in the constituency through foreign investment, agriculture, education, and digital empowerment.
He said his international exposure and network would be leveraged to attract investors and fast-track growth in the constituency.
As part of his agricultural agenda, he announced a large-scale oil palm initiative aimed at making Buruku a major palm oil hub.
He disclosed that 15,000 palm seedlings were distributed last year, with an additional 65,000 to be distributed across wards in the constituency.
He noted that the programme is designed to promote self-reliance and improve livelihoods.
Addingi also pledged to train 5,000 youths in digital and entrepreneurial skills to enhance employment opportunities and reduce poverty.
In the education sector, he revealed plans to equip four secondary schools with science laboratories through partnerships with foreign collaborators, alongside introducing opportunities for international study exposure.
Highlighting his previous role, Addingi said he facilitated investment linkages and international partnerships, including ongoing cooperation efforts with some regions in China.
He added that such relationships would be expanded to benefit Buruku constituency in areas such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.
He further donated 1,000 palm seedlings to members of the NUJ in Benue State to support their post-retirement plans.
In his remarks, the Benue State NUJ Chairman, Bemdoo Ugber, commended the gesture and urged political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of future elections.
