In a landmark move to boost youth empowerment and digital capacity building, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has empowered 250 young people with cutting-edge skills in drone technology and other high-demand technical fields.
The senator unveiled the initiative at her residence in Kogi Central, where she provided specialized training across four key sectors: drone technology for security and environmental sustainability (80 youths), advanced welding and fabrication (50 youths), renewable energy installation (50 youths), and data analytics with digital transformation (70 youths).
While addressing the beneficiaries, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the program as a strategic human capital development initiative designed to bridge the widening gap between youth and access to relevant digital tools. “Our people deserve to be empowered with the very best of technology for self-reliance,” she stated.
A major highlight of the programme was the free distribution of 80 DJI Neo drones to individual participants and educational institutions. The senator explained that the idea was inspired by African nations like Egypt, South Africa, Malawi, and Ethiopia, where drone technology is already transforming sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and security.
“Drone technology is the new frontier of socio-economic development, and it holds great promise for Nigeria,” she noted. “Though often associated with photography and videography, drones offer practical solutions across multiple industries including construction, oil and gas, delivery services, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications.”
To expand the reach of the initiative, the senator also involved ten tertiary institutions across the country by providing their departments of Geology and Environmental Science with drones and access to the training programme. The institutions include:
- 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 Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that all distributed drones comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s safety regulations, as they fall within the sub-250g category, making them ideal for educational and entrepreneurial use.
This initiative follows closely on the heels of other tech-driven efforts by the senator, including the launch of two smart markets with a combined 160 shop spaces in Kogi Central and the donation of 700 computers to Abdul-Azeez Attah Memorial College, Okene (AAAMCO).
Reaffirming her commitment to technology-led development, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “Our youths deserve opportunities that reflect the future. With access to tools like drones and digital analytics, they can become innovators, problem-solvers, and global contributors.”
The empowerment programme marks a significant step in Senator Natasha’s broader vision to make Kogi Central a hub of innovation, digital literacy, and economic independence.
