Why I distributed cash to constituents – Senator Natasha

Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has explained that
the cash distribution to constituents was informed by beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance over business equipment.

Reacting to criticism trailing action on social in a statement by her media aide, Mr Mike Idoko on Wednesday, she said she carried out emporwerment of her constituents in millions of cash based on their preferences.

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Natasha distributed cash with images of wraps of cash in millions of naira being seen in video amid the large turnout of constituents at the venue to mark her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.

Public reactions trailing her action especially social media users expressed concern over the propriety of publicly displaying large sums of money and whether such cash handouts amounted to meaningful constituency representation and sustainable poverty alleviation.

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The statement quoted as saying before the distrubution started that the previous empowerment exercises showed that some beneficiaries preferred cash because of immediate business needs.

She said, “I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent.

“So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. There are also those who will get ₦5m through transfer.”

The Senator noted that entrepreneurs have different operational realities, making direct cash assistance a practical option for addressing informed by beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance over business equipment. ranging from business expansion and stock replenishment to the acquisition of essential production materials.

In her anniversary message, she expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and described the business grants as part of her commitment to strengthening local enterprises and improving economic opportunities across Kogi Central.

“We rounded off our third anniversary in office by supporting small businesses across Kogi Central with cash grants. From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and strengthening our local economy.

“Thus, I’m grateful to God and honoured to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” she stated.

The cash empowerment programme, held as part of activities marking her third anniversary in office on November 2, 2026, covered small-scale entrepreneurs operating in agriculture, tailoring, content creation and manufacturing, among other sectors.

Beneficiaries reportedly received grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5m, depending on their business needs, with some receiving ₦2m, ₦3m and ₦4m, while others were given up to ₦5m through bank transfers.

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