Despite her suspension from the Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reaffirmed her commitment to the people of Kogi Central, vowing that political distractions will not deter her from delivering on her mandate.
In a statement issued by her media office on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan announced the commencement of two state-of-the-art smart market projects in Okene and Okehi Local Government Areas, as part of her broader constituency development plan.
According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at upgrading local trade infrastructure, empowering grassroots businesses—particularly women traders—and boosting economic activity across the senatorial district.
“I never stopped working for my people,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “Politics ends after elections; what matters is performance. I represent all the good people of Kogi Central, regardless of political affiliation.”
Each of the markets will consist of 80 modern shop units—40 lock-up stores and 40 open stalls—and will be equipped with solar-powered electricity, boreholes, sanitation facilities, power sockets, truck-accessible loading bays, and security lighting to ensure safe and efficient operations.
The markets will be located at Ihima Central Market in Oboroke (Okehi LGA) and a new community market site in Okene LGA. Both sites were chosen based on their accessibility, high population density, and potential for future expansion.
Construction is scheduled for completion by November 2025, aligning with the senator’s second anniversary in office.
The flag-off ceremony drew support from traditional rulers, women groups, and youth organisations, who hailed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership and resilience, describing her as “a beacon of hope in the face of political adversity.”
Reiterating her commitment to inclusive governance, the senator pledged to continue implementing people-oriented projects across Kogi Central.
“Service to the people transcends political affiliation. The work continues, no matter the obstacles,” she said.
