Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has declared that her recent suspension from the Senate did not deter her from continuing to serve her constituents. She emphasised that throughout the period, she remained actively engaged in projects aimed at improving the lives of the people she represents.
Speaking during the flag-off of two “smart market” projects in Okene and Okehi local government areas, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots development and inclusive governance. The initiative, she said, is part of a broader effort to enhance economic opportunities, especially for women and small-scale traders.
Each market will feature 80 modern stalls—40 lock-up shops and 40 open stalls—equipped with solar-powered electricity, boreholes, modern toilets, power sockets in every shop, truck-accessible loading bays, and security-enhancing streetlights. The markets are situated at Ihima Central Market in Oboroke, Okehi LGA, and a new community market in Okene LGA. According to the senator, these locations were selected based on their potential for growth and accessibility.
“This project is just one of many constituency interventions we have lined up for the people of Kogi Central,” she said, noting that the markets are expected to be completed and commissioned by November 2025 to mark her second year in office.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also used the opportunity to restate her philosophy of inclusive representation: “I represent all the good people of Kogi Central at the Senate. Politics is for elections; after that, it is performance that matters—and performance must impact everyone, regardless of political affiliation.”
The event drew a large turnout of community leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations, and traditional rulers, many of whom commended the senator for her resilience and continued service in the face of political challenges.
They hailed the smart markets project as a bold step toward economic empowerment and praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for demonstrating leadership that prioritises the needs of the people over political distractions.
