Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has sought European investment and humanitarian partnerships to strengthen local industries, expand tourism and create economic opportunities for residents.

The senator hosted four European ambassadors in Kogi State, showcasing the area’s cultural heritage, tourism assets and indigenous industries in a move to attract investment and open up local enterprises to wider markets.

The delegation comprised the ambassadors of Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Spain, who visited historical landmarks, interacted with local artisans and experienced the traditions and hospitality of the Ebira people.

The engagement featured visits to Lord Lugard’s Rest House on Mount Patti in Lokoja and the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, before the diplomats proceeded to Kogi Central for cultural activities and interactions with local communities.

The Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, described the confluence as a symbol of national unity and expressed optimism about potential partnerships with the state.

“Kogi is very rich, and we look forward to partnership,” Mengoni said, thanking Akpoti-Uduaghan for facilitating the visit.

Belgium’s ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, praised the experience, particularly the hiking expedition around the historic hills of Ihima, and commended the opportunity to explore the region’s landscape, culture and local cuisine.

The cultural programme included a visit to Obeiba Hill, where the visitors sampled traditional delicacies such as akara, apapa and akamu. They also observed indigenous production processes, including shea butter and palm kernel oil extraction, black soap making, pottery and traditional Ebira cloth weaving.

A masquerade performance provided further insight into the community’s cultural identity and artistic traditions.

Denmark’s ambassador, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, expressed admiration for the skills of local artisans, particularly women engaged in pottery, traditional clothing and other indigenous crafts.

He said locally made products demonstrated the creativity and determination of the artisans, adding that their work offered opportunities for enterprise development and wider market access.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the visit was designed to demonstrate that Kogi Central’s economic prospects extended beyond tourism to include local industries, skilled workers and entrepreneurial communities.

She said discussions with the diplomats covered investment and humanitarian opportunities, expressing hope that the engagement would lead to partnerships capable of delivering lasting benefits to residents.

“To attract investment, we must give people the chance to see our strengths for themselves: our skills, our enterprise, our culture and our people,” the senator said.

The planned visit to the Ajaokuta Steel Company could not proceed because access to the facility was not approved despite a written request. The delegation could only view the complex from outside its gates.

Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment over the development and renewed her call for the revival of the steel plant, describing it as vital to Nigeria’s industrial ambitions.

“Ajaokuta remains central to the industrial future we want for our people, and I will continue to advocate for its revival,” she said.

The revival of the steel complex has long been viewed as an opportunity to boost manufacturing, create jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains.

The senator thanked community leaders, residents and artisans for welcoming the delegation, saying their hospitality helped showcase the Ebira nation to an international audience.

She also expressed appreciation to the four ambassadors for accepting the invitation and engaging with local communities.

Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed hope that continued engagement with European partners would translate into practical investment, expanded market access, and economic opportunities for women, young people, artisans and tourism operators across Kogi Central.