Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has successfully trained and empowered 250 youths in her constituency with high-demand digital and technical skills, as part of her strategic initiative to drive self-reliance, innovation, and technology access.
The empowerment programme covered key sectors including:
- Drone security and environmental sustainability (80 beneficiaries)
- Advanced welding and fabrication (50 beneficiaries)
- Renewable energy installation (50 beneficiaries)
- Data analytics and digital transformation (70 beneficiaries)
Held at her residence in Kogi Central, the programme aimed to equip both individuals and educational institutions with practical, marketable skills that align with global technology trends and sustainable development goals.
Speaking during the event, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said,
“Our people deserve to be empowered with the very best of technology for self-reliance.”
She underscored her decision to deploy drone technology, drawing inspiration from countries like South Africa, Egypt, Malawi, and Ethiopia, which use drones to boost sectors such as mining, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring.
In a landmark move, she distributed 80 DJI Neo drones to individuals and ten educational institutions, including: Federal College of Education, Okene, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Federal University, Lokoja, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, University of Ilorin, Bayero University, Kano, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Federal University of Science and Technology, Minna
These drones, compliant with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority guidelines, will be used for academic, environmental, and industrial applications — expanding learning horizons and real-world technology adoption.
Additionally, Senator Natasha recently: Flagged off construction of two smart markets in Kogi Central, with 160 shops, Distributed 700 computers to students at Abdul-Azeez Attah Memorial College, Okene (AAAMCO)
She reaffirmed her commitment to innovation-driven empowerment, adding,
“Kogi Central deserves the best, and we are setting a national standard in technology-driven development.”
