Elders from the Kogi Central Senatorial District say recent development projects executed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan point to a broader shift in the quality of representation the district has received at the National Assembly.
The assessment was made at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where the forum, led by former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Phillips Salawu, reviewed the senator’s performance nearly two years into her tenure.
According to the elders, Kogi Central had for years struggled with limited federal presence and low political visibility, a situation they said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s tenure is beginning to reverse through targeted constituency projects and active legislative engagement.
Salawu said the senator’s approach has helped restore public confidence in governance at a time when voter trust in political institutions remains low nationwide.
“Within two years, there has been a noticeable change in seriousness and delivery,” he said. “For Kogi Central, this is not just about projects but about regaining relevance and dignity in national affairs.”
The forum cited infrastructure and social interventions tied to the senator’s second anniversary in office, including ultra-modern markets in Okene and Okehi Local Government Areas, new primary and secondary schools in Osara, Adavi Local Government Area, and solar-powered streetlights and water systems in parts of Ajaokuta and Ogori-Magongo.
They said such projects address long-standing gaps in local commerce, education access, and basic services—areas that have historically lagged behind in the district.
Additional interventions referenced include a maternity centre, upgrades to police facilities, and empowerment programmes aimed at youths, women, and small-scale entrepreneurs. The elders noted that these initiatives align with broader national concerns around unemployment, insecurity, and social welfare.
Sir S. S. Lawal, a former Permanent Secretary and former Chief of Staff to a Military Governor in the old Kwara State, said the projects reflect a blend of short-term relief and longer-term development thinking.
“In a political environment often dominated by rhetoric, the emphasis here is on outcomes,” Lawal said. “Markets and schools may seem basic, but they are foundational to economic stability and human capital growth.”
Responding, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the meeting provided an opportunity for accountability and feedback, adding that the projects were guided by community needs rather than political symbolism.
She said her legislative priorities would continue to focus on youth and women empowerment, access to education and healthcare, and policies aimed at positioning Kogi Central for sustained development.
The elders concluded that while challenges remain, the current trajectory represents a departure from past patterns of representation and offers a framework for measuring performance beyond campaign promises.
Kogi Central Elders Say Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Projects Signal Shift in Representation
