Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has launched a major human capital development program, empowering 250 young Nigerians with modern technical skills designed to boost innovation, employability, and self-sufficiency.
The intensive training took place at her residence in Kogi Central and covered four core areas: drone technology, renewable energy installation, advanced welding, and data analytics. The program saw 80 participants trained in drone operations for security and sustainability, 50 in renewable energy, 50 in welding and fabrication, and 70 in data analytics.
At the program’s closing ceremony, Akpoti-Uduaghan described it as a “strategic human capacity development” initiative, emphasizing the need to equip the youth with top-tier technological tools for independence and future relevance.
A major highlight was the incorporation of drone technology—drawing inspiration from successful integrations in South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The senator described drones as “the new frontier of socio-economic development,” citing their value across sectors such as construction, agriculture, logistics, telecom, and environmental surveillance.
To cement this vision, 80 drones were freely distributed to individuals and institutions. Among the beneficiaries were 10 Nigerian tertiary 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
Each institution received DJI Neo drones customized to meet national safety regulations, especially for use in Geology and Environmental Science departments.
This initiative adds to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing tech-focused efforts, such as her creation of two smart markets with 160 shop spaces, and the donation of 700 computers to students at Abdul-Azeez Attah Memorial College, Okene.
Reaffirming her commitment to technology empowerment, she concluded: “Our people deserve the best. I will continue t…”