Natasha marks three years in Senate, equips Kogi schools with laptops

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan distributing the laptops to beneficiaries during the official presentation. Photo: Mike Idoko

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has marked her third anniversary in the Senate with the distribution of smart devices, including laptop computers, to selected secondary schools in the district.

Her media aide, Mike Idoko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

The intervention, which took place on Monday, November 2, 2026, saw the senator visit OCSS Oboroke, Adavi Model Secondary School, Adavi Eba, and Community Secondary School, Obangede, all in Kogi State, to support digital learning and improve students’ access to educational resources.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the initiative was part of her commitment to quality representation, educational development and the empowerment of young people.

She said, “For me, the essence of representation is not simply to occupy an office or make speeches in the chambers of the National Assembly. It is about making a difference in the lives of the people who entrusted us with their mandate.

“Education remains one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our society. These smart devices are not merely computers; they are instruments of opportunity, learning, innovation and empowerment. I want our children to understand that their geographical location should never limit their access to knowledge or their aspirations in life.

“As we mark three years in office, I remain conscious of the responsibility that comes with the mandate you have given me. I will continue to do everything within my capacity to ensure that Kogi Central receives quality representation and benefits from meaningful developmental interventions.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the students to make effective use of the devices, embrace digital literacy and remain committed to their studies.

She also called on teachers and school administrators to ensure that the equipment was properly maintained and used for educational purposes.

The senator, who was elected to represent Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly, said her constituency development efforts covered education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment and economic development.

In the health sector, she has advocated the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Ihima, through Senate Bill 521, aimed at improving access to specialist medical services in Kogi Central and neighbouring communities.

Her other constituency interventions include advocacy for improved roads, potable water, school facilities, solar-powered infrastructure, skills acquisition and support for women and young people.

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The senator has also spoken on public accountability, social justice, equitable resource allocation and responsive governance.

At Community Secondary School, Obangede, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Shehu Sule, commended Akpoti-Uduaghan for extending the intervention to the school.

In an address presented during the visit, Sule praised the senator’s representation and contributions to education and human capital development.

He said, “It is a great pleasure and rare honorary privilege to host not just a distinguished senator but the most popular, most outstanding and most celebrated female office holder in the contemporary Nigerian political space.

“We are therefore deeply blessed to be in your presence and be part of the history you have created through uncommon quality representation, provision of people-oriented projects, immense contribution to human capital development and great strides towards education.”

Sule also commended the senator for inspiring young people, particularly girls, saying her leadership provided encouragement for the younger generation.

He appealed for continued collaboration between the senator and the school, noting that the devices would support learning and expose students to wider educational opportunities.

He said, “We seek your esteemed indulgence to seize this rare but golden opportunity to present you with an award in recognition of your outstanding leadership, commitment to education and inspiration to the girl-child and youth in Nigeria.”

The school official added that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation extended beyond Kogi Central and expressed optimism about her political future.

The distribution of the devices comes as access to digital tools and technology-based learning becomes increasingly important in education.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said she would continue to pursue people-oriented initiatives aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of her constituents.