Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has called for greater collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora to advance development in Kogi State and the country.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made the call during an engagement with Nigerians in Maryland, United States, on September 6, 2026, where she joined community leaders and Nigerians from different backgrounds to discuss the development of Kogi State and Nigeria.

The gathering was organised under the auspices of the Ebira First Forum and coordinated by Bashir Enesi Abubakar.

The senator described the engagement as an important platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas, saying the participation of Nigerians from communities beyond Kogi Central reflected a shared interest in the development of the state and the country.

“While in America, I spent a wonderful evening with members of our Ebira community in Maryland at a gathering of the Ebira First Forum, coordinated by my dear big brother, Mr Bashir Enesi Abubakar,” she said.

According to her, the meeting provided an opportunity for Nigerians in the diaspora to share ideas and recommendations on development, leadership and the future of Kogi State.

She said the discussions also touched on the wider aspirations of Nigerians and the need for good leadership and practical interventions capable of improving communities.

Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that the gathering also provided an opportunity to acknowledge some development interventions facilitated through her office.

She said Engineer Charles Jagun of Akoko Edo presented a letter of appreciation relating to streetlight projects facilitated through her office.

“Nigerians from other communities joined us, including Engr. Charles Jagun of Akoko Edo, who presented a letter of appreciation for the streetlight projects we facilitated,” she said.

The senator said meaningful representation should extend beyond legislative debates to sustained engagement with citizens and the identification of practical solutions to challenges confronting communities.

She pledged to use the ideas and recommendations generated from the engagement as part of her broader efforts to translate citizens’ concerns into tangible development initiatives.

“It was indeed an enriching evening and I look forward to more conversations as I set forth to using my office in the Senate to help turn the ideas we shared into action,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also expressed appreciation to the Nigerians who attended the gathering, commending their interest in the development of their communities and the country.

She specifically acknowledged her husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, for what she described as his consistent support and encouragement for her public service.

“I earnestly thank everyone who came, and my beloved husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his constant, tireless support and love for my people and I,” she said.

The senator said she looked forward to sustaining conversations with Nigerians both at home and abroad, with a focus on development, community engagement and effective representation.