Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan defends cash grants for Kogi locals

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, defended her decision to distribute millions of naira in cash to constituents during an empowerment programme held on November 2, 2026. This initiative was criticized on social media, where some questioned the appropriateness of publicly displaying cash and its effectiveness in poverty alleviation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that past empowerment exercises revealed beneficiaries preferred cash for immediate business needs over equipment. She stated, “I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent.” The cash grants, ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5m, were aimed at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs in various sectors, including agriculture and tailoring.

In her anniversary message, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized her commitment to strengthening local enterprises and improving economic opportunities across Kogi Central.