…Farmers, tailors, content creators, manufacturers receive between ₦1m and ₦5m as Senator embraces direct cash empowerment
Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has marked her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly with the disbursement of multi-million-naira business grants to small-scale entrepreneurs across the district, reinforcing her commitment to grassroots economic empowerment and sustainable enterprise development.
The intervention, which formed part of activities commemorating her three years in office on November 2, 2026, was designed to provide financial support to local entrepreneurs operating across different sectors of the economy, including agriculture, tailoring, content creation and small-scale manufacturing.
Under the programme, beneficiaries received cash grants ranging from ₦1 million to ₦5 million each, depending on the nature and specific requirements of their businesses. While some entrepreneurs received ₦2 million, ₦3 million and ₦4 million respectively, others were awarded grants of up to ₦5 million through bank transfers.
The initiative represents a direct investment in the productive capacity of small-business owners, many of whom depend on limited capital to sustain their operations, expand inventory, acquire raw materials and create employment opportunities within their communities.
Speaking during the commencement of the grant distribution, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that her decision to provide direct financial assistance rather than rely solely on the distribution of business equipment was informed by lessons from previous empowerment interventions.
“I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent. So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. There are also those who will get ₦5 million through transfer,” the Senator said.
Her remarks underscored a deliberate shift towards a more flexible empowerment model that allows beneficiaries to determine their most pressing business needs and deploy the financial support accordingly.
The Senator noted that entrepreneurs have different operational realities, making direct cash assistance a practical option for addressing challenges ranging from business expansion and stock replenishment to the acquisition of essential production materials.
In her anniversary message, She expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and described the business grants as part of her commitment to strengthening local enterprises and improving economic opportunities across Kogi Central.
“We rounded off our third anniversary in office by supporting small businesses across Kogi Central with cash grants. From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and strengthening our local economy.
“Thus, I’m grateful to God and honoured to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” she stated.
The intervention comes amid growing recognition of small and medium-sized enterprises as critical drivers of employment generation, household income and grassroots economic development in Nigeria.
Across the country, several prominent public office holders and philanthropists have introduced business-support initiatives aimed at improving access to capital for traders, artisans, farmers and emerging entrepreneurs.
Among such interventions are the entrepreneurship support programmes associated with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which provides selected African entrepreneurs with seed capital and business development support; the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and constituency-based empowerment programmes facilitated by several Nigerian senators, including Ahmad Lawan and Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
Against this backdrop, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s latest intervention is notable for the scale of the individual grants, with some beneficiaries receiving as much as ₦5 million to strengthen their businesses.
Beyond the immediate financial relief, the programme is expected to improve business capacity, stimulate local commerce, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to the economic resilience of households across the senatorial district.
As she rounds off her third year in the Senate, the Senator’s latest intervention adds an economic empowerment dimension to her constituency engagement, highlighting the importance of translating political representation into practical support for the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly and is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
