Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for renewed faith in Nigeria, national unity and sustained commitment to economic and human development.
In a goodwill message marking the anniversary, the Senator said Nigeria’s independence should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of the nation’s founding generation and the responsibility of present leaders and citizens to build a more prosperous and inclusive country.
She urged Nigerians, particularly citizens of Kogi State and her constituents in Kogi Central, to remain hopeful about the future and pay attention to developments that can create opportunities for citizens.
“At 66, Nigeria has every reason to look ahead with renewed hope. We have faced difficult moments as a nation, but the resilience of Nigerians has remained unshaken. Independence Day reminds us that nation-building is a continuous responsibility that requires unity, courage and faith in our collective future,” she said.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also acknowledged economic reforms being pursued by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the Federal Government’s stated priorities include economic growth, infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, energy, digital development and job creation. The Federal Government has said its 2026–2030 development plan is intended to consolidate reforms and translate economic stability into wider opportunities for Nigerians.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is built around reforms and initiatives that are intended to reposition the Nigerian economy and expand opportunities. We must acknowledge areas where progress is being made while continuing to demand accountability and improvements where challenges remain,” the Senator stated.
She specifically urged Kogi citizens not to lose sight of the opportunities associated with ongoing investments in infrastructure, education, technology, agriculture and other productive sectors.
In July 2026, a Federal Government project-inspection team reported ongoing federal interventions in Kogi, including work on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway and investments in education.
“Kogi State must position itself to benefit from the opportunities emerging from national development. We should focus on what can move our people forward, education, skills, enterprise, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and industrial development. There is much work to be done, but there is also much to build upon,” she said.
‘Kogi Central Must Continue to Demand Effective Representation’
Speaking on her representation of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said her approach to public service should be measured by tangible interventions, legislative engagement and the ability to attract opportunities to the senatorial district.
Her official website lists interventions and programmes including solar-powered water systems, solar streetlights, transformers, markets, youth and women empowerment, digital-access initiatives and educational projects across the five local government areas of Kogi Central. It also identifies her 2027 PDP re-election bid and her membership of Senate committees covering areas including Steel, TETFUND, Women Affairs and Social Development, and Land Transport.
“Representation is not merely about occupying a seat in the Senate. It is about being present, listening to the people, attracting development, using legislative opportunities responsibly and remaining accountable to the constituents,” she said.
The Senator said her aspiration to continue in the Senate should therefore be assessed by Kogi Central constituents against her record, legislative activities, constituency interventions and the programmes she has proposed for the next phase of representation.
“As we approach another electoral cycle, I encourage the people of Kogi Central to examine the records, the programmes and the commitments presented before them. Democracy gives the people the opportunity to assess their representatives and make their choice based on the issues that matter to them,” she added.
She further identified continuity in constituency development, economic empowerment, access to technology, education, healthcare, infrastructure and industrial development as areas she intends to pursue if returned to the Senate.
Among the priorities listed on her official platform are expansion of water and energy infrastructure, empowerment programmes for women and young people, development of the Kogi Central People’s Company, expansion of technology initiatives and continued advocacy for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
She called on Nigerians to celebrate the Independence Anniversary beyond ceremonies, urging citizens to recommit themselves to peace, democratic values, accountability and national development.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. We may differ in political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or social background, but our shared destiny as Nigerians remains stronger than our differences. We must continue to build bridges rather than walls,” she said.
She also called on young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education and the creative economy.
“Our young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are important contributors to the Nigeria we are building today. We must create an environment where their talent, creativity and enterprise can translate into productive livelihoods,” she stated.
Concluding her message, the Senator congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed optimism that continued reforms, responsible leadership and citizen participation could contribute to a stronger Nigeria.
“On this 66th Independence Anniversary, I salute the courage and resilience of the Nigerian people. Let us remain hopeful, united and committed to building a country where opportunity is available, justice is respected and every citizen can aspire to a better life. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria,” Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
