From David Onuoja, Abuja
Kogi Central Senatorial District Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has launched legacy projects across the district to commemorate her one year in office.
The lawmaker, who was joined by some of her colleagues, also marked her first year in office by distributing empowerment materials.
The event began with the commissioning of 1km road network at the Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene by the senate Minority Leader, Distinguished Senator Abba Moro.
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Followed by the Commissioning of the reconstruction and remodeling of the Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College in Okene by Senator Tahir Monguno, which has nine blocks of classrooms and four boarding houses as well as the unveiling of 5,000 digital learning devices which marked the event.
Others are the inauguration of the reconstructed Ihima Police Station, which was officiated by the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha. While Senator Abba Moro launched the empowerment programme.
Speaking at the event, Senator Natasha thanked her colleagues especially the leadership of the Senate who were present. She emphasised 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.
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.
Senator Natasha while appreciating her colleagues especially the leadership of the Senate who were present, said, “the hills surrounding us are rich in natural minerals, from gold to amethyst and iron ore, among others.
“I hope that in the coming months, you will join forces with me to ensure these minerals are tapped for the benefit of our country.
“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.
She 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.
Dignitaries at the event include representatives of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Musa Ladan, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, Senate Minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Anthony Yaro, as well as Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi.
Others are: Edo Deputy Governor, Omobayo Godwins, House of Representative Member representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Abdulmaleem Danga, Kogi Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha, Ohi of Okene, HRH Alhaji Isa Mamman Okatahi, Ohi of Ihima, HRH Abdulrahim Ogido, Ohiomata of Odumi, Chief James Omeiza amongst other eminent Nigerians.
