Dr. David Salifu, who hails from Iga-Okpaya, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State was born on 26 September 1962.

Dr. Salifu obtained his B.A. (Hon) in 1987 and MA (Sociology of Religion), from University of Jos in Plateau State, Master in Public Administration (MPA), 1995 and his doctorate in Public Administration in 2000 from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Dr. Salifu started his working career as a Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture in 1980 before he gained admission into the University of Jos. Upon completion of his first degree, he was posted to Command Secondary School, Abakiliki for the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme between 1987 and 1988.

Upon completing his NYSC, Dr. Salifu worked with Otukpo Local Government Council as Administrative Officer II in 1989 and was later promoted to Senior Administrative Officer in 1992. He was appointed Personal Assistant to the Chairman Otukpo Local Government Council between 1997 and 1998. Dr. Salifu was Director of Personnel Management/Secretary, Obi and Okpokwu Local Government Councils between 1998 – 1999 and 1999 – 2001 respectively. He was appointed Member, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission from 2001 – 2006, and Chairman, Benue State Local Government Service Commission, 2007 – 2010.

Due to the sudden demise of the former SSG, Dr. Audu Achigili, Dr. David Salifu was appointed to fill in the vacant position of Secretary to the State Government in January 2001. He was reappointed Secretary to the State Government in May 2011 to date.

In addition to his working career, Dr. Salifu is a Member of Nigeria Institute of Management; Associate Member, Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, and Fellow of African Business School. Due to his track records of achievement in industrial relations and exceptional administrative qualities in local government development, he was honoured with a Meritorious Award by Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Benue State Chapter in 2000

Dr. Salifu, who is happily married with four children, likes reading, hunting, badminton, Bible reading and listening to Christian Songs.