Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a leader from Kogi Central. She works in Nigeria’s National Assembly, which is where laws are made. Even though she was suspended from the Senate, she did not stop helping the people in her area.
Senator Natasha said she kept working on important projects during the suspension. She wants to make life better for people in her community. She showed this by starting two new “smart markets” for traders in two towns—Okene and Okehi.
What Are Smart Markets?
Smart markets are special markets with modern features that help traders work better and feel safer. Senator Natasha said the markets will:
- Have 80 new shops each (40 closed shops and 40 open stalls)
- Use solar lights for electricity
- Have clean water from boreholes
- Include clean and modern toilets
- Provide power sockets in all the shops
- Have space for big trucks to load and unload
- Use streetlights to make the area safer at night
The two smart markets will be built at Ihima Central Market in Oboroke, Okehi Local Government Area, and in a new market in Okene Local Government Area. Senator Natasha said she chose these places because many people live there, and the markets can grow and help more families.
Why She Is Doing This
Senator Natasha said she wants everyone in Kogi Central to benefit from good projects, no matter which political party they support. She believes politics is only for elections. After that, what really matters is doing the work and helping people.
She said, “I represent all the good people of Kogi Central. I want to do well for everyone. We have many more projects coming for my people.”
The smart markets are planned to be ready by November 2025. That’s when Senator Natasha will celebrate two years in office.
People Are Happy
Many people came to the event where Senator Natasha talked about the new markets. There were community leaders, women’s groups, youth groups, and traditional rulers. They all said they were proud of her.
Senator Natasha was thanked for not giving up even when things were hard. They called the smart market project “a bold move” that will help women and small shop owners earn more money.
They said she is showing what real leadership looks like—helping people and staying focused, not fighting about politics.
Conclusion and References
Senator Natasha showed that she is serious about helping people in Kogi Central. Even when she was suspended, she kept working. Her smart market projects will help many traders, especially women, to grow their businesses and care for their families.
Real leaders don’t stop when times are tough. Senator Natasha is still standing strong and making a difference.
👉 For more stories like this and to explore women-focused tools and resources, visit: genderpedia.ng/shop
