Kogi Senator, Natasha begins Construction of Smart Markets

Olu Samuel

The Senator representing Kogi Central , Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commenced the construction of smart markets in Okehi and Okene local areas of the district.

A recent announcement on her official social media platforms, the senator revealed that despite being illegally suspended from the Senate, she successfully facilitated the inclusion of several key projects including the smart markets in Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas in the 2025 national budget.

She emphasized that this initiative is part of her broader commitment to supporting market women, whom she described as essential drivers of socioeconomic development in rural communities. Her goal, she said, is to create safe, functional, and conducive spaces for their operations.

Her post reads:

“Congratulations Kogi Central District, we have two new markets underway.

“The need to construct new markets? Our market women play fundamental roles as socioeconomic development drivers in our rural communities. From job creation to revenue generation to ensuring food security. It’s no doubt our women must be supported and building conducive functional and Safe spaces is the least the government can do.

“Thus, in the 2025 budget, as your beloved Senator, even though being illegally suspended, amongst other interesting projects, I was able to facilitate the construction of smart markets in Okene and Okehi LGAs.

“Okene’s location: This shall be a brand new market in an entirely new location because both Obehira and Bariki markets are fully saturated and have no land for expansion. Hence, we graciously secured a fantastic flat land right beside the new Okene General Hospital in Okuanatahu, Okene LGA . Opposite the market is where our proposed fire service station will be constructed.

“Okehi’s location: The existing Oboroke market has a large expanse of land and with the collaboration of the market union leaders, we agreed to build the new market right there. This will accord the entire market women to access the amenities that would be provided.

“Scope of the New Markets.

Each market shall have :
40 open market stalls
40 closed shops
Toilets
Water supply
Car parks for loading trucks
Solar grid
Sockets in shops and stalls
Street lights for security, amongst others.

“These projects are fully funded by the Federal Government and we shall ensure they’ll be distributed FREELY on merit to the market women NOT SOLD.

“We anticipate completion by our second year in office; November 2nd 2025. I’m excited and hope you all are too.
Senator Natasha H Akpoti- Uduaghan
Proudly Kogi Central”, she said.