Tag: Senator Natasha

LAWMAKER representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has described the establishment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Kogi State as a new paradigm shift in the energy sector, calling for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Ajaokuta gas initiative.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, according to a statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel in Abuja, stated this during the groundbreaking event of the five mini LNG plants by NNPC and its counterparts in Ajaokuta, on Thursday.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that natural gas represents a promising future for Ajaokuta, Kogi, and Nigeria as a whole.

 According to her, the successful completion of the project will enable the supply of gas to businesses in the northern region, driving economic growth and development.

 Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan encouraged stakeholders to focus on developing the downstream sector of steel and gas in Ajaokuta and Kogi, promoting industrialisation and economic growth.

She further commended NNPC, BUA, Gasnexus, Highland, and Arete for their joint efforts in achieving the feat. She also extended her appreciation to royal fathers for the role they played in forging peaceful coexistence.

“In the nearest future, we are going to have Ajaokuta steel working and all these companies that would be birth out of steel company would require energy to power.

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“Congratulations to us all! We are among the luckiest. Let every Nigerian trust in our peaceful environment and commitment to collaboration. Kogi State is a peaceful land, and we promise to be the best host. God bless you all,” she added.

In his speech, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari disclosed that the necessary equipment for the projects is already at the port and being cleared for delivery, allowing work to commence immediately.

 He emphasized that the project’s location is ideal, as NNPC’s pipeline already reaches the site, with gas readily available for connection to the five mini LNG plants. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the project’s establishment.

Kyari described the initiative as the foundation of gas development in Nigeria and a key alternative energy source.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for the introduction of standardized examinations across Nigerian universities and a complete overhaul of outdated curricula to align with global realities and industry demands.

Speaking at the convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Abbas decried the inconsistencies in academic standards across universities, which, he said, have undermined the credibility of Nigerian degrees in the global job market.

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“The time has come for all universities to have common examinations, at least at the graduating level; let there be one common examination for the various courses being offered. That is how we can determine whether the grades awarded by some universities are truly reflective of students’ capabilities and whether they can stand the test of time,” he stated.

He further argued that the absence of standardized testing has contributed to disparities in academic rigor, making it difficult to assess graduates’ competence fairly.

“A 2:1 in one university can be equivalent to a third-class degree in another because grading systems differ significantly. We need a common examination, at least at the graduating level, to ensure fairness and transparency in academic assessment,” he added.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has underscored the need to address social injustice as a key step toward fostering peace and harmony in society.

Speaking at a three-day capacity-building programme organized by the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that social injustice breeds feelings of marginalisation, exclusion, and resentment, which often escalate into conflict.

In a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Isreal, the senator emphasised the importance of promoting equality and fairness, empowering marginalised communities, and tackling systemic injustices as critical measures for building a just and peaceful society.

She also highlighted the need for fostering dialogue and understanding between different groups and communities to help break down barriers and promote peace.

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“Most conflicts stem from a sense of injustice, when people feel cheated and deprived of their rights.

 “If we want to prevent conflicts, we must address social injustices. You cannot subject people to torture, deprive them of basic rights, and expect them to remain silent.

“It’s difficult for people to abide by the law when they are denied basic amenities and their fundamental rights,” she said.

The programme, held in Abuja, aimed to enhance women’s involvement in conflict prevention, dialogue, and preventive diplomacy. 

It brought together female parliamentarians and First Ladies across Africa to address violence against women and explore effective strategies to promote women’s peace and security in the continent.

The chairman of the Senate committee on local content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central) has commenced a medical outreach programme aimed at providing free healthcare services to at least 1,000 of her constituents.

The four-day programme, which started on Monday this week, according to a statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Isreal in Abuja, “is part of the senator’s efforts to improve the lives of her constituents, particularly in the areas of healthcare.

“The venue for the outreach is situated at Obeiba Cottage Hospital Ihima, Okehi LGA, and Ebiye, Eganyi Cottage Hospital, Ajaokuta LGA, respectively.

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“The medical outreach, targeted at least 1,000 constituents, is expected to cater to patients with various health issues, providing them with free drugs and necessary recommendations.

“Other services include Child Health – Immunisation, Nutrition Screening, ANC – ANC Screening, Scans, Delivery/Labour, Post-Partum Management, Emergency Management, Gynae – Family Planning, Gynae Health, Reproductive Health and NCDs – Hypertension, Diabetes, Eye Health, etc.

“Led by Pharm. Aliu Ibrahim, the medical team includes experienced doctors and healthcare professionals who will attend to patients and provide them with quality medical care within the scheduled period.”