A forum of elders from the Kogi Central senatorial district has commended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for what they described as her impactful developmental projects and transformational leadership within two years of representing the district in the National Assembly.
The elders, led by former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr. Phillips Salawu, gave the commendation at a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the forum described Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as “a stitch in time” whose emergence, they said, rescued the district from a period of declining public image and reversed the fortunes of its people through people-focused interventions in education, healthcare, human capital development, and forward-looking legislative initiatives.
“Within just two years, we have seen a level of visibility, seriousness, and development-driven representation that has restored pride to Kogi Central,” Dr. Salawu said. “Senator Natasha has proven that leadership is about service, not slogans. We urge her to remain focused and be assured of our continued guidance and support.”
The elders specifically highlighted the economic and social impact of the senator’s second-anniversary projects, including the construction of ultra-modern markets in Okene and Okehi Local Government Areas, modern primary and secondary schools in Osara, Adavi Local Government Area, as well as the provision of solar-powered street lights and water reticulation systems in communities across Ajaokuta and Ogori-Magongo Local Government Areas.
Other interventions cited include the establishment of a maternity centre, upgraded police facilities, and large-scale empowerment programmes targeted at youths, women, and small-scale entrepreneurs across the district.
Also speaking, Sir S. S. Lawal, a former Permanent Secretary and former Chief of Staff to a Military Governor in the old Kwara State, praised the senator’s approach to governance, saying her projects have addressed both immediate needs and long-term development.
“What distinguishes Senator Natasha is her ability to combine legislative responsibility with tangible projects that directly touch the lives of the people,” Lawal said. “The markets, schools, and empowerment programmes are not just structures; they are economic lifelines for our communities.”
Dr. Joshua Ozigi Omuya, a former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, described the senator’s interventions as strategic and development-oriented. “These projects show an understanding of economic planning and human capital investment. Kogi Central is clearly benefiting from purposeful representation,” he noted.
In her response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed appreciation to the elders for the invitation and for what she described as a people-centered interactive engagement. She reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and sustained development across the district.
“I am deeply honoured by your words and encouragement,” the senator said. “This engagement strengthens my resolve to continue delivering on the mandate freely given to me by the people of Kogi Central. I remain committed to projects and policies that uplift our communities and secure a better future for our children.”
She added that her focus would remain on inclusive development, youth and women empowerment, quality education, accessible healthcare, and legislative advocacy that places Kogi Central on the national development map.
Other notable personalities present at the meeting included Alhaji Aziz Suberu Ogun, a chartered accountant; Alhaji Muhammed Aliyu; Hajiya Hadiza Omolori-Abiola; and Hon. Abdulrahman Badamsuiy, among others.
The forum concluded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance has rekindled hope in governance within Kogi Central and positioned the district for sustained growth, unity, and effective representation at the national level.
