A front line aspirant for the central senatorial district of Kogi State in the forthcoming general elections, Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, has said that her major policy trust when elected as Senator would be the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel complex and all other ailing Steel companies in Nigeria.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday after obtaining the nomination form of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Akpoti noted that a functioning Ajaokuta Steel complex was capable of generating huge employment opportunities to the citizenry, high revenue generation to the country, technology transfer among other benefits.
In addition to the efforts she has made so far in creating awareness about the company and the steel industry in Nigeria , she said more still needs to be achieved in the areas of Steel laws, establishment of Steel authority and ensure that the necessary political will is engendered.
“When I stood against the privatisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, I did so because of my firm believe that the company holds the future of our country. When I become a Senator I will not only work for the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel complex but all other Steel Companies in Nigeria that will use the product of Ajaokuta Steel as raw materials and the country would be better for it,” she said.
On why she has decided to venture into politics this time around, the social rights crusader, said her constituent have been marginalized from the necessities of government when it comes to social Justice and economic development.
While noting that the people have been absolutely neglected in the scheme of things in the country, she however said that the people have now realized that government and governance is far away from them and there is the need for someone who is committed to their wellbeing to bridge the gap.
“I am stepping into politics of the Central senatorial district of Kogi State to bridge this gap, so that I can make the difference, be the voice of the voiceless, provide support for the weakest in the society and the most marginalized people of Nigeria.”
She said in addition to right to life as enshrined in the constitution, she will in addition advocate for rights to portable water, good roads, quality education adequate healthcare delivery and inclusive governance which she said the SDP stands for.
“As a woman, will also advocate for huge women participation in politics. Women have made their marks in the cooperate world, it is time for opportunities to be given to the women to take charge of leadership positions.
She said the reason why she opted for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to actualize her senatorial ambition was because the manifesto of the party is in line with her personal philosophy of service to humanity.
Akpoti reafirm her commitment to social justice and freedom for all human as it is enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
According to her, “the reason why we have settled down for the SDP to deliver our mandate is that I have taken time in the last three months to study the manifestos of all the political parties and we found that of the SDP as the one that tally with our aspiration.
She noted that the philosophy of the party resonates with her ideas of politics, adding that her father was one of the founding members of the party who worked closely with late Moshood Abiola to promote the party and by default “l have always been a social democrat at heart.”
Among all our men that have represented us at the red chamber, who among them lived up to expectations? Who among them fought for the reasons they were voted for? Who among them represented the general interest of the people of Central with sincerity of purpose?
Who among them brought the dividends of democracy to the people? And who among their lots except late Distinguished Senator, A.T Ahmed of blessed memory, who brought the presence of the government to their constituents?
To be factual, none of these were obtainable in the recent political activities that had taken place in Kogi Central.
This is why we should realize the fact that our men had disappointed us and they have failed to find solutions to the pressing issues affecting the Central.
Funds meant for Constituency projects were either mismanaged or diverted for personal benefits.
With all these in play, we have seen, heard and read about a lady, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti who from self effort, had changed the lives of an ordinary people through an established organization by her to positively affect the lives of the people.
Natasha H. Akpoti has in all capacity driven so hard to making sure the only resources available on the land, Ajaokuta Steel Company is revived to benefit not only the people of the Central she is vying to represent, but the nation at large.
Despite the fact that she is in no position of authority, yet; she has given it all it takes to see its actualisation against all obstacles.
Ajaokuta has been a campaign platform for the most erstwhile occupants of the exalted position which they all failed us.
Moreso, Barr. Natasha, having been recognised and loved by the masses in Kogi Central due the aforementioned selfless service to humanity.
It is no doubt in the minds of the masses in Kogi Central now that Barr. Natasha is the right choice that can bring sustainable development to our fatherland. Our education, health, roads, business opportunity will be given priority and our District will gradually be uplifted.
Hunger will be wiped off through ‘Natasha Poverty Eradication Programme’ in the Central. Women and youth capacity building will also bring the unemployed youths into various self-owned micro businesses to support the efforts of the State Government.
My dear people of Kogi Central, let us be wise. Support Barr. Natasha H. Akpoti who is already fighting for our positive development before now, to enable us enjoy and preserve better lots for our next generation.
I Natasha Akpoti, my Campaign Organisation wish all my Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Eid el Kabir.
We must continue to appreciate that our strength as a people lie in our ethnic and religious diversity’s and maximize the inherent advantages in such diversity’s through understanding and respect of the essence of the different faith.
May this Sallah bring us bountiful blessings, good health and continued peaceful coexistence.
As we look up to Allah for more of his eternal blessings , we pray for tolerance, good health and more prosperous years ahead to the people of Kogi Central and entire Kogi State at large.
Happy Sallah to us all.
Signed:
Barr. Natasha Akpoti
(Senatorial Aspirant, Kogi Central Senatorial District ).
On this Post we will be voting for our proffered candidate for 2019, 9th Kogi Senatorial Seat Candidate of our choice, we are going through Political Parties. We will rather go with each candidates pofile and short description about each of them.
Bar. Hadiza Natasha Akpoti:
A lawyer also has an M.A. in gas and oil. A former employee of Liquefied, a natural Gas Industry in Brass, River State, she is a social entrepreneur and reformer. She is the founder of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and Builders Hub Foundation, a social enterprise focused on creating jobs through the sustainable revival of Nigeria’s local industries. Natasha is also a philanthropist, supporting 600 school children in Kogi State and 100 university students across Nigeria.
Dalhatu Sheriff
Alhaji Dalhatu Sheriff Saki is a public-spirited individual, a man with a heart of gold. He is the founder and currently funds ADS Foundation, a care for the poor initiative birthed out of his desires to touch the lives of the needy and the less privileges amongst us and as well his philanthropist gestures to sponsor hundreds of Kogi State undergraduates in various higher institutions both within and outside the country. He is known to be providing multiple forms of support to individuals and families.
Sen. Ahmed Salau Ogembe
A successful businessman, with several years of experience in medical consultancy. Ogembe is also a grass root politician/mobilizer and an astute Public Administrator. A former local government chairman of Okene L.G.A and a Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 8th Senate.
Abdulrahaman Khalifa Okene
Khalifa, before now has been impacting positively on the lives of Kogi Central people and beyond through his charity foundation, Khalif Cares Foundation, hence his resolve to do more if given the opportunity to serve.
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2019 Kogi Central Senatorial District Online Voting. by www.ebiraland.com.ng
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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has commended the front-line Kogi Central Senatorial aspirant, Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, for her unprecedented decision to unveil her credentials.
In a remark through their official social media handle, the agency said “way to go Natasha! Let’s show them how women run the world!!!” Reacting, Natasha said, “indeed, the world watches and wastes no time in identifying credibility.
“It’s paramount Nigerians realize this and begin to take conscious steps in defining the narrative of our representatives across all levels of authority”, she said. Natasha decided to set the pace when she disclosed on her social media handle that she will be publishing her biography and educational documents on Thursday for credibility and transparency.
Below are the biography and educational credentials; Natasha Hadiza Akpoti (born December 9th, 1979) is a Lawyer, MBA professional and a Social Entrepreneur. She is the Founder of Builders Hub Impact Investment Program – a Social Enterprise focused on creating jobs through the sustainable revival of Nigeria’s indigenous and neglected industries.
Born to the family of Late Dr. Jimoh Akpoti and Mrs Ludmila Kravchenko Akpoti of Obeiba- Ihima, in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi state. She is the second of four children and only daughter. Natasha spent her formative years as a child growing up and being primarily educated in her native communities- Okehi and neighboring Okene, Adavi and Ajaokuta towns.
Her most fascinating childhood moments were lessons of philanthropy and empathy for humanity that her father taught by practically treating the poor for free, paying tuition for thousands of school children, supporting hundred of local farmers and traders with their businesses and so much more. She attended Christ the King Nursery and Primary School Okene where she was made the Social Prefect and acknowledged in her testimonial to be very quiet, hardworking and responsible.
Thereafter, she proceeded to Government Girls Unity Secondary School Oboroke, Kogi State and Federal Government College Idoani, Ondo state for her junior secondary and senior Secondary education respectively. Yet again, her exceptional academic and personal performances earned her the leadership position of being the Head Girl at F.G.C. Idoani. Graduating in 1997, Natasha’s Secondary School leaving Certificate and Testimonial acknowledged her of being responsible, hardworking and a diligent prefect.
She holds an LLB in Law from the University of Abuja, and was called to bar in 2005. She also obtained her Masters in Business Administration and doubled up with a PGD Petroleum Law and Policies from the foremost University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom. Through shear determination and doggedness she excelled in vital modules such as Strategic Management and Organizational Analysis; Leadership and Decision Making;
International Arbitration; Management in Energy and Natural Resources Industries; International Petroleum Law and ultimately Business Strategy in the Extractive Industries amongst others. Admittedly, knowledge acquired greatly influenced the success of Natasha’s advocacy for the revival of the moribund Ajaokuta in an attempt to position Nigeria as an industrialized nation. Natasha also participated in a high-level workshop organized by the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom which centered on the Bargaining Zone, Anchor Points and Negotiation Tactics) Preparation, First Moves and Concessions) where Natasha scored the most accurate bargain during a delegate-simulation.
While employed as a legal counsel at Brass LNG, an international gas liquefaction company, Natasha participated in and completed many resource development courses some of which are – International Gas Business Management Certificate program offered by the prestigious International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC) in Boston, Massachusetts USA.
Others are, Contracts Used in International Petroleum Development, and Monitoring and Regulation of the Upstream Petroleum Sector (Exploration and Production) both programs were offered by the Center for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP), Scotland, UK.
Interesting enough, Natasha’s becoming an expert in the energy sector didn’t quench her innermost desire to work with marginalized communities to help connect people to self-developing opportunities and create a meaningful legacy.
This drove her to become a Social Entrepreneur and in leaving no knowledge stone unturned, she enrolled at INSEAD’s Social Entrepreneurship Program in Singapore. At INSEAD, Natasha understood that innovating indigenous technologies and building inclusive resilient economies is the only sure way Nigeria can sustainably develop. Reflecting such knowing to Nigeria, she identified the need to create a responsive Ecosystem plunging People, Processes and Products in one responsive space to support Start-Ups and smart ideas.
This interest birthed a partnership between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Small, Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) of Nigeria and Natasha’s Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHiiP) to establish Nigeria’s first integrated Technology Development and Business Growth Hub situated in the city of Uyo, in the coastal, oil producing part of Nigeria.
While Natasha loves traveling to new places, meeting people, reading and watching documentaries; she enjoys nothing more than every moment spent parenting her three wonderful children.
This is for all of our readers, that often send us email regarding Natasha Akpoti (Is Natasha Apoti Married?), if shes Married and asking us about her personal life and work, well in this post i will answer all of your queries. In an interview with Veronica Ogbole on TheWomensTorch, Natasha revealed a lot about her self which answers all of your question s whatsoever you might have about her read it below after the cut.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, a lawyer also has an M.A. in gas and oil. A former employee of Liquefied, a natural Gas Industry in Brass, River State, she is a social entrepreneur and reformer. She is the founder of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and Builders Hub Foundation, a social enterprise focused on creating jobs through the sustainable revival of Nigeria’s local industries. Natasha is also a philanthropist, supporting 600 school children in Kogi State and 100 university students across Nigeria.
She meets with the Women’s Torch’s Veronica Ogbole in her Abuja Office.
Who is Natasha Akpoti ?
I’m a mother of 3 children, my father is from Ihima, Okene Local Government, Nigeria and my mother is from Ukraine. An introvert, I love my own space, always question the existence of life, the deeper meaning of existence and service to humanity. I become transformed talking to an audience. When talking to people I feel at home because of the energy that comes from the people. I am connected to other people, because I hate injustice. One of the things my father taught me, has become my nature – to protect the weak, the vulnerable in the society. This makes some people think my intentions are against the government.
Some people have asked if I want to go into politics. Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Strive Masiyiwa from Zimbabwe are my role models because they are social entrepreneurs. They are billionaires and they give a lot of their personal resources to create impact in the Society. That is what is missing in Nigeria. We wait for Bill Gates to come and take care of Polio for us. There are a lot of gaps between people’s development and the economy. The only thing that will make me go into politics is if I see Nigeria becoming what I want. You have to make the change and the difference you want to see in the world. People are calling me already, I keep asking if they are ready for an honest service?
Natasha Bags Africa’s Patriotic Amazon Award by the League of African Development Students (LEADS). @April 2017.
From the lessons learnt from my advocacy, there is a problem between the leadership and followers ideology. We don’t know who we are, we are in love with our oppressors, what I call ‘Stuck Home Syndrome’. We protect our oppressor, just because of tribe and religion. Nigerian Pastors are the wealthiest in the country, while the people are languishing in poverty, don’t we see what is going on in other parts of the world? We’re inviting Beyonce, Bouncy and we’re are the poorest. The power lies with the people, but the real problem is with the people. Before my advocacy, I used to think it was with the leaders, but it’s like 30 people ruling over 80 million people.
Life was difficult, my father died when I was 18 years and in the 1st year in University, life became difficult, relatives that I approached for help encouraged me to go into prostitution. Those who are supposed to protect and nurture the young, are the same people that destroy the future of the youth.
The vulnerability of a woman gave me an insight – I traded, travelled to Lagos to buy and sell roofing sheets, made and sold Zobo (a local drink) with my mum and younger siblings, all to earn money to take care of the family. I was not attracted by the glamorous way of life, I did not look down on any little business. And this up till now.
Some people feel I should be trading in oil. No, I will rather work with the people. I like doing things that matter most in life. The thing that matters most in life comes to me – people. People come with other things, opportunities, ideas, the grace that comes with it. That is one lesson learnt, when you do good whole heartedly without expecting anything in return, God pays you back. I began to have things that money cannot buy.
When I broke up with my husband, I lived in a boys quarters, I tell my story proudly, I am not ashamed of it, someone somewhere may learn from it. I started from the rock bottom I sat down and told myself that I had a bigger calling somewhere, I was not afraid, because I knew I had to connect with my truth. I made a promise to myself, set my goals. God said we should speak into our future, we should set our goals, clarify our vision and purpose, a road map, it will be easy to follow. I was motivated to follow my dream to have better things in life. We have to have a bigger vision for our self, I worked hard, without thinking of the years I did not have money, because I had a goal and vision, I took my first step in faith, I had my future defined, I had my challenges, but I looked at them as hazy curves. But now I have my Foundation, my properties and investments.
To make money is an art, not taught in school. I read a lot of motivational books, the world owes you nothing, every time, I spent pitying myself was a waste of time, I want to be a role model to my children, I prayed, connected everything to my purpose. I have never been more confident and sure of myself than now, even if I die today, I have lived a fulfilled life, because I have touched lives, I feel fulfilled. People also read: - 'Promises are Cheap, Show Your Capacity,' Natasha Akpoti Chides Politicians Using Ajaokuta as Manifesto
What motivates you to do what you do?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve had the ambition is to do something to improve the lives of the poor. I grew up in the village, with my father, a medical doctor, trained in Russia with his communist lifestyle. He rejected a job in Lagos and choose to work in the village with the people in Ihima, in Okene Local Government area of Kogi State, where he comes from.
With my father, I experienced first-hand what it is to work with the people. Working in an Oil and Gas Company, I woke up one day and said to myself that I was not in the right place and that this was not my purpose. So, I resigned and decided to go into Social Entrepreneurship. Many people have asked her why? That it is strange in Nigeria. The Social Entrepreneur works to improve the ecosystem around the grass roots entrepreneur. “Anything that surround, anything that traces, motivates the grass root to survive, because Government is insensitive, too far away from the people.
The Social Entrepreneur is the bridge to bring that which is needed, bring a lot out of the box, like the Ajaokuta Steel Industry. What policy, what advice can be given to the Government to stimulate the ecosystem of the vulnerable, the advocacy to bring back what Ajaokuta was, the opportunities – employment, poverty reduction, job creation and reduction of social vices, through the steel company.
If the Ajaokuta Steel industry is revived, Kogi state will be able to generate money, investors, not the Government will build hospitals, other industries will be created, the steel industries will be the mother of all industries – construction, automobile, agriculture, equipment, defense/security, ammunition, packages, food and cooking utensils – so many through one big industry. Once the Ajaokuta Industry works, except if you are lazy, you will get something doing, which is the way to stimulate the ecosystem.
As a member of the Women in Nigeria (WIN) Organisation, an umbrella organization of 21 women organizations, I realized that Nigerian women are too quiet despite that fact that we are about 48% of the population. One begins to wonder despite the fact that more women participate in voting during elections, we decides to vote for men. I asked myself why Nigerian women are so silent ? I decided to commit my time to supporting other women. People also read: - Natasha Reiterates Commitment To Serve Humanity, Distributes Food Items To Widows, Physically Challenged
What is Natasha Akpoti greatest achievement ?
Natasha Bags Africa’s Patriotic Amazon Award by the League of African Development Students (LEADS) @April 2017
I will not say it is any project, my greatest achievement is living my own truth. Speaking honestly about a situation is the only weapon. ‘He who speaks the truth says all’, I have had the courage to speak the truth, turned down bribes, I just feel that Nigerians need the truth. I have not achieved the greatest yet. So far, I have adopted 600 children in my home state, Kogi State. I pay their school fees, provide educational materials for them. I am sponsoring 100 young people in University’s across Nigeria. I empower women. I have business clusters that create employment for people. I offer entrepreneurship seminars free for university students.
Natasha Interacting with her Adopted Primary School Pupils/Orphans @May 2017
How have you overcome the barriers, visible or invisible to get to where you are today?
I see my challenges as slow progress. Many obstacles I face are due to the fact that I do not play the game the way people expect it to be. Not playing the norm, nor do I have godfathers, relations. A man, a bank owner, once told me that I do not have pedigree, because I wanted a loan of 10 Million naira, I even begged for 5 million, as the time, all I had were my ideas. He refused until I met all requirements. During the same period, a former military president’s daughter made a loan request, which was granted right there. I asked why, he replied “she is the daughter of a former military President, her father is her security.”
Natasha and her Adopted Primary School Pupils/Orphans @May 2017
I then told myself and prayed that God should build my name to make me feel less than human. Then I said that is not enough. I want to become the woman of my dreams, for my sake and for others like me. I decided I wanted to be a Responsible Investor, Social Entrepreneur to help guide investment that matters, that is accountable to greater impact for a greater number of greater people. I always consults on impact options; always want to go for the greatest impact to create wealth, creating value, creating opportunities for the undeserved people, “ that is where her joy is.
Natasha and Some Community Stakeholders and Traditional Rulers During the Opening Ceremony of Builders Hub Community Learning Resource Centre in Okehi Local Government, Kogi State.
Sometimes, I feel as if I’m living in the wrong country, sometimes you need the will be able to make a change. It takes somebody with a different idea to drive people in the right direction. It’s strange but for me, value is not monetary. I want to build my wealth in the hands of people and for that no compromise. As mothers, we should be role models, imbibe patriotic values in our children. Even though I learnt many skills and value in the steel industry, I was moulded by my father. He instilled all this in me. Service for humanity is my foundation.
Other achievements I’m proud of are the building of the Hub Impact Investment – Nigeria’s first Entrepreneurship campus in the Niger Delta region through my Foundation Builder’s Hub with financial support from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
What is your greatest fear or failure ?
None – I view life differently and embrace it as a lesson. I do not see my being single again as a failure, if you are married fine, if you are single mother, be a good one, every time in life, you have a new page to write your story, make sure in your story you love and accept your truth, teach our children the arts of entrepreneurship at an early age.
I also want to achieve my dreams early enough to have more time for myself. I will love to remarry again, but it is not a do or die thing. I do not want a man that will come between me and my project. He should have strong character, very principled. As stated by Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy businessman who wrote the book “the gospel of wealth”, there – the people, the process the product must all be aligned” Most people do not know how to align the three.
NTA’s Weekend Deal: One on One with Natasha on the Topic “The Extreme Level of Poverty and the Negative Spillover Especially in Child Labour @June 2017
What advice do you give young women who aspire to become leaders?
True, our educational system does not accord robust course choices, the system has a narrow scope when it comes to career choices, our educational system needs to open up, and we need to be up to date. It is key to the demands of the future, the world in going into the 5th industrialization.
For now, we need to look inward into our strengths and opportunities, in tune with the skill set of today. Young women should start now- there is never a perfect time, do not compete with anybody, everyone has a unique calling and gift, follow your own truth.
In her continuous efforts to give back to the society and put smile on the faces of the needy, the founder of Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, distributed food items to widows, and physically challenged persons across the five local government of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Commenting on the exercise, the personal assistant to the philanthropist, Comrade Hamza Lamisi said the exercise is aimed at making the widows and the physically challenged persons happy during the festive period and feel the joy of the Sallah celebration.
In his words, “the benevolent was made irrespective of faith and to instill hope in the minds of the needy that there are still people who consider the pain of others as their own.
“For the exercise to reach the target beneficiaries, we constituted coordinators in each ward of the five local government of Kogi Central Senatorial District who monitored the distribution and the items were distributed early for the beneficiaries to make use of it during the Eid-el-fitr”, he said.
According to him, the distribution of the food items is the first phase of the exercise, “there will be banquet for the 600 children she adopted while a similar event will be held on Monday at LGA Primary School, opposite Hotel Dabras Okene to celebrate Sallah with the less privileged and other members of her homeland”, he said.
Expressing his gratitude, the President of Kogi Central People Living with Disability Forum, Comrade Umar Zakariau Shaibu said they’ve been following the philanthropic works of Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti and have been longing for an opportunity to meet her and register their unalloyed support for the godly path she has chosen to tread.
“We would be very happy if we can meet her someday to tender our plights to her and register our unalloyed support for her godly work she is doing.
“We have our own association, if anything that is coming from the kindhearted philanthropist can be channelled to it, we would be very pleased”, he said.
Emphasising the strengths in disability, Shaibu said people should not underestimate the power of people living with disabilities to contribute to the development of the society.
“You cannot spell disability without ability, we want people to know that there’s always ability in disability. It is our heartfelt prayers that God will raise people like Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti who will see the power in disability instead of looking down at people living with disabilities”, he said.
The joy of the widows were unprecedented, as they continued to pray for God to protect and guide Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti to do more.
“Natasha has done what others could not do, I have never met people like her, she paid our children’s school fees, carter for their needs and still give us food to eat without expecting anything return.
“It is our fervent prayers that God will continue to protec her for us and our children”, one of the widows said.
Appreciating the largesse of the philanthropist, the president Kogi Central Widows Association, Hajia Mariam Aliyu, said it is only God that will appreciate the efforts of Barrister Natasha Hadiza Apkoti to ameliorate the plights of the widows.
“Natasha has distinguished herself as the hope of the hopeless, her love for the widows and her zeal to always wade into the plight of the widows make her to be unique. It is our prayers that God will continue to strengthen her to do more for the widows.
“On behalf of the widows of Kogi Central Senatorial District, we are appealing to her to come and represent the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, in order to bring the best dividends of democracy to our land. We hope our message get to her and listen to our appeal”, she said.
My Name is Yakubu Binuyaminu Adeiza No.1 Kogi State Blogger, Programmer, Web Developer and an Internet Marketer You Can Call Me on +2348168374589.
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