Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, marked her first year in office on Saturday by distributing empowerment materials and launching several projects across her district.
In a press release by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, it was noted that her Senate colleagues joined the celebration.
The events began with the commissioning of a 1km road network at Abdul Azeez Memorial College in Okene, officiated by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
Senator Tahir Monguno inaugurated the reconstruction of the college, which now includes nine classroom blocks, four boarding houses, and 5,000 digital learning devices for students.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also inaugurated a newly reconstructed Ihima Police Station, with the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bertrand Onuoha, in attendance.
The occasion also saw an empowerment program launched by Senator Moro. Speaking on the senator’s achievements, Deputy Senate President’s representative, Senator Musa Ladan, praised her commitment to humanitarian service and impactful representation.
Senate Chief Whip, Senator Monguno, highlighted the importance of her educational initiatives, commending her efforts to digitalize learning in Kogi Central.
Senator Moro applauded her projects, noting their positive impact on security and community development.
Reflecting on her achievements, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized her dedication to fulfilling campaign promises. “This past year has been a journey of commitment, challenges, and dedication to our people’s well-being and development.
My vision has been to create a senatorial district where every child has the opportunity to learn, every young person can access meaningful employment, and every family has basic amenities like clean water and electricity,” she stated.
She highlighted her initiatives, including distributing 5,000 digital learning devices to public schools and beginning a major overhaul of selected schools.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also announced plans to build new primary and secondary schools, a center for artificial intelligence and robotics, and an automotive mechatronics workshop, with construction expected in early 2025.
A scholarship scheme through the Natasha Foundation has supported 353 vulnerable students at tertiary institutions nationwide, and her empowerment programs have trained over 1,300 artisans in various fields, from renewable energy to catering, with startup grants provided for all participants.
She noted the success of water projects that have brought potable water to many communities, including a large solar-powered system that serves 300 locations with 1,800 water taps.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further detailed her contributions to infrastructure, including lighting 30km of roads across Kogi Central to enhance safety.
She addressed security needs by reconstructing the Ihima Police Station and pledged her support to healthcare by rehabilitating primary health centers in Ohueta and Osara, with construction set to begin within two weeks. Medical outreach programs are also scheduled for Ajaokuta and Okehi.
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On legislative efforts, she highlighted her push for the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and expansion of the National Iron Ore Mining Company’s mandate to develop Kogi’s natural resources.
“With bills such as the Gold Reserve Bill and a proposed Federal Medical Center in Ihima, we aim to transform Kogi State’s industrial landscape and create job opportunities,” she added.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude for the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing the collaborative approach as instrumental in accessing resources for her district’s development.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including representatives of the Deputy Senate President, Senate Chief Whip Senator Monguno, Senate Minority Leader Senator Moro, and Senators Ede Dafinone, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Ekong Sampson, Anthony Yaro, and Olubiyi Fadeyi.
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