In a bold move to bridge the technology gap and foster self-reliance, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has empowered 250 youths with in-demand digital and technical skills, including drone technology, renewable energy, advanced welding, and data analytics.
Digital Empowerment Programme for Youths in Kogi Central
Held at her residence in Kogi Central, the comprehensive empowerment programme aimed to equip participants with job-ready skills to meet Nigeria’s growing demand for tech-savvy professionals. The initiative covered:
- Drone Security & Environmental Remediation: 80 beneficiaries
- Advanced Welding & Fabrication: 50 beneficiaries
- Renewable Energy Installation: 50 beneficiaries
- Data Analytics & Digital Transformation: 70 beneficiaries
Senator Natasha described the programme as a strategic human capacity development plan designed to close the skills gap in Kogi and beyond.
“Our people deserve to be empowered with the very best of technology for self-reliance,” she stated during the training graduation ceremony.
Promoting Drone Technology in Nigeria
Senator Natasha emphasised the economic potential of drone technology in Nigeria, citing countries like South Africa, Egypt, Malawi, and Ethiopia as examples of successful drone adoption in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
“Drone technology is the new frontier of socio-economic development not only in Africa but globally,” she said.
As part of the initiative, 80 DJI Neo drones—compliant with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) sub-250g regulations—were distributed to individuals and educational institutions.
Strategic Support for Tertiary Institutions
Ten higher institutions across Nigeria received drone units for research and learning, 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
Senator Natasha stated that the goal is to provide hands-on training in emerging technologies to foster innovation and employability among Nigerian students.
A Broader Push for Technology-Driven Development
This empowerment initiative follows the senator’s other recent technology-focused projects, including:
- The construction of two smart markets in Kogi Central with 160 shop units
- Distribution of 700 laptops to students of Abdul-Azeez Attah Memorial College, Okene
A Vision for a Technologically Empowered Future
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her long-term commitment to using technology as a tool for development and inclusion.
“Our youths and institutions deserve access to modern tools that prepare them for global opportunities. This is just the beginning,” she declared.
