Posted by Chinenye on Wed 04th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has shared money to help people in her constituency grow their businesses instead of giving them sewing machines.
(Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Photo by ShineYourEye)
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has given cash to people in Kogi Central.
She says they asked for money, not equipment.
Her media aide, Mike Idoko, made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday.
The senator represents Kogi Central in the Senate.
The cash was handed out at an event to mark her third year in office on November 2.
Pictures and videos of the money went round online, and many people criticised the move.
Some asked if it was right to show so much cash in public.
Others asked if handouts like this really help people escape poverty.
The senator said she used to give out sewing machines.
She found that many people sold them to pay rent or raise money for their shops.
So this time she gave cash to people who asked for money to start a business or buy more goods.
Some will get their money by bank transfer.
She said business owners have different needs.
For some, cash helps them grow.
For others, it helps them buy stock or materials.
In her message, she thanked God for the chance to serve.
She said the grants are her way of helping local businesses grow and creating more opportunities.
The programme helped small business owners in farming, tailoring, content creation and making goods.
The amounts ranged from ₦100,000 to ₦5 million.
Some got ₦2 million, ₦3 million or ₦4 million.
Others got up to ₦5 million by bank transfer.