Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has launched a significant empowerment initiative for tertiary institution students from Kogi Central.

The program includes the distribution of multipurpose business carts and the provision of free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration for 2,500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the district.

This initiative aims to drive innovation in governance and positively impact the lives of indigent students from Kogi Central studying across the country.

The business carts are intended to foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship among students, helping them start and grow profitable businesses. This proactive approach is designed to reduce dependency on government support and alleviate societal burdens.

In addition, the free CAC registration allows students, market women, and other business owners to register their businesses at no cost. The registration process, which would have otherwise cost N11,000 per business, was fully funded by Senator Natasha, totalling N27,500,000 for all 2,500 SMEs.

The ceremony also featured on-the-spot business registrations, with certificates presented to the new business owners. The CAC registration will be conducted across Kogi Central in each of the constituency offices within the five local government areas.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a former social entrepreneur and advocate for self-reliance, emphasized the importance of understanding the business ecosystem and registering businesses as a foundation for legal recognition and access to government and private grants.

The business carts and clean cooking kiosks distributed include:

Multipurpose Business Carts: Clipper, barbing mirror, plexiglass frame, branded umbrella parasol, box cooler/warmer, 50 watts solar panel, 3-in-1 USB charging cable, rechargeable night lamp, 36AH battery, solar charge controller, dual USB charging port, triple circuit isolator, and barbing chair.

Clean Cooking Kiosk PRO: Main cooking frame with cabinet, side cooking frame, 12 watts solar charger, 6kg gas cylinder, sideboard, burner support, industrial cooking burner, grilling burner bowl, grilling burner with gas control valve and hose, oven burner with gas control valve, storage cabinet, grilling mesh, and branded umbrella parasol.

Senator Natasha also provided start-up funds and transport tokens to the beneficiaries. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Hon. Abdulrahman Abdulmaleek Danga, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, Alhaji Abdurahman Badamasiu, Dr. Umar Hassan, Mr. Muftahu Bello, Baba Abdulrazaq, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, Mrs. Mohammed Alami, and other stakeholders.

This initiative underscores Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and driving sustainable development in Kogi Central.