Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has defended her decision to distribute millions of naira in cash to constituents, following criticism over the public presentation of the empowerment programme.

The lawmaker explained that the decision to provide direct financial assistance was influenced by feedback from beneficiaries who preferred cash grants to business equipment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by her media aide, Mike Idoko, following reactions to videos and photographs of the cash distribution circulating on social media.

The programme was organised as part of activities marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.

Some social media users had questioned the propriety of publicly displaying large amounts of money and whether the distribution represented meaningful constituency development and sustainable poverty alleviation.

However, the senator said her experience from previous empowerment programmes informed the decision to provide cash instead of distributing equipment alone.

According to her, some beneficiaries who previously received sewing machines eventually sold them to meet other financial needs, including business expansion and rent payments.

“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 ₦5m through transfer,” she said.

The senator explained that entrepreneurs operate under different circumstances and have varying financial requirements.

She said direct financial assistance would allow beneficiaries to address specific business challenges, including purchasing stock, acquiring production materials and expanding their operations.

Natasha Distributes Grants to Small Businesses

In her anniversary message, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the financial assistance as part of her commitment to supporting small businesses and improving economic opportunities across Kogi Central.

She said the programme supported entrepreneurs in different sectors, including agriculture, tailoring, content creation and small-scale manufacturing.

“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 empowerment programme, held on November 2, 2026, featured grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5m, depending on beneficiaries’ business requirements.

Some recipients reportedly received ₦2m, ₦3m and ₦4m, while others were given up to ₦5m through bank transfers.

The initiative was aimed at providing financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs across the Kogi Central Senatorial District.