Why I distributed multi-million gifts to constituents – Senator Natasha

…Farmers, tailors, carpenters, manufacturers receive ₦100,000 to ₦5m as Senator embraces direct cash empowerment

Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has explained her decision to distribute multi-million-naira cash grants to constituents, saying the intervention was designed to give small business owners the flexibility to address their most pressing needs and expand their enterprises.

The Senator, who marked her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly on November 2, 2026, disclosed that beneficiaries of the business empowerment programme received between ₦100,000 and ₦5 million, depending on the nature and requirements of their businesses.

Farmers, tailors, carpenters, content creators and small-scale manufacturers were among the beneficiaries of the direct cash empowerment initiative, with some receiving ₦2 million, ₦3 million and ₦4 million, while others received up to ₦5 million through bank transfers.

Speaking during the commencement of the grant distribution, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her decision to embrace direct cash assistance followed lessons from previous empowerment programmes in which she distributed business equipment to constituents.

“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.

“So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. There are also those who will get ₦5 million through transfer,” she said.

The Senator explained that the cash-based intervention was intended to allow beneficiaries to determine how best to deploy the funds, rather than restricting them to specific equipment that might not address their immediate business challenges.

She said the initiative was part of her commitment to strengthening local enterprises, supporting livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities across Kogi Central.

In her anniversary message, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the intervention was designed to support entrepreneurs whose businesses contribute to the economic activities of their communities.

“We rounded off our third anniversary in office by supporting small businesses across Kogi Central with cash grants.

“From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and strengthening our local economy.

“Thus, I’m grateful to God and honoured to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” she stated.

The intervention comes amid growing recognition of small and medium-sized enterprises as major drivers of employment, household income and grassroots economic development in Nigeria.

Several public office holders and philanthropic organisations have introduced business support initiatives to improve access to capital for traders, artisans, farmers and emerging entrepreneurs.

Among them are the entrepreneurship support programmes of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and constituency-based empowerment programmes facilitated by lawmakers, including former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s latest intervention stands out for the scale of the individual grants, with some beneficiaries receiving as much as ₦5 million to support business expansion, replenish stock, acquire raw materials and improve production capacity.

Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the programme is expected to stimulate local commerce, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the economic resilience of households across the senatorial district.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly, is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.

The post Why I distributed multi-million gifts to constituents – Senator Natasha appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.