- Kogi State, established in 1991, has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- The senators advocate for economic growth and social development of the state, ensuring constituents' concerns are heard at the national level
- TheRadar profiled the three senators representing the people of Kogi state in the 10th National Assembly
To continue our series on ‘Know Your Lawmakers,’ this edition focuses on the representatives of Kogi State in the Senate Chambers for the period between 2023 and 2027.
Kogi State, named after the Hausa word for river, was established on August 27, 1991, and drawn from parts of Benue, Niger, and Kwara states. Known as the "Confluence State," it hosts the meeting point of the River Niger and River Benue near its capital, Lokoja.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the state has been represented by three senators in the National Assembly, with one each from Kogi East, Kogi West, and Kogi Central senatorial districts.
These senators serve as the voice of the people of Kogi, advocating for policies that foster economic growth and social development and ensuring that their constituents' concerns are addressed in national matters.
The state held its chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 21 local government areas on Saturday, October 19, and in the light of this development, it is pertinent that the people of the confluence state be familiar with their representatives in the National Assembly.
TheRadar compiled the three senators representing the state’s senatorial districts below:
1. Karimi Sunday Steve (Kogi West Senatorial District)
Representing Kogi West is Karimi Sunday Steve, a seasoned politician who is currently serving his first term in the Senate. Born on March 10, 1962, Karimi, 62, is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Before his election to the Senate, he was a two-term member of the House of Representatives, where he represented Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopa-Amuro Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2019.
In a recent security-related effort, Senator Karimi spearheaded the construction of a military base on the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area.
According to the senator, the military base will enhance security not only within Kogi West but also in neighboring parts of Kwara State.
Speaking during the inauguration of the base on Saturday, October 12, Senator Karimi Sunday Steve said:
“I conceived the idea of the military base in January this year to assist the Nigerian military and security agencies to ensure quick response in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals whose activities in recent times around the border of Kogi and Kwara (where there is a great expanse of forest that is fast becoming a fortress for criminals) is becoming an issue of national concern.
“It is also hoped that the presence of a standard military base will serve as a deterrence to these criminals and restore peace and security in the communities in Kogi and Kwara States.
“The urge to construct, furnish, and hand over this edifice to the Nigerian Army is borne out of my commitment to assisting the military in protecting the lives of the citizenry and warding off criminals from our rural communities.”
2. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central Senatorial District)
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was born on December 9, 1979, currently serves as the senator following her victory in a legal battle.
The 44-year-old lawyer and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was officially sworn in during a Senate plenary session after the Court of Appeal affirmed her as the rightful senator-elect.
Her induction into the upper legislative chamber was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and it marked her first time serving as a senator.
One of her early legislative efforts includes sponsoring the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) bill for Ihima in Kogi State, which recently passed its first reading in the Senate. The bill is designed to address the healthcare needs of the people of Kogi Central, fulfilling Akpoti-Uduaghan's campaign promises to improve healthcare access for her constituents.
Additionally, she sponsored a Bill for an Act to establish a framework for the Nigerian Gold Reserve Industry, which seeks to regulate and develop the nation's gold reserves and address related economic matters.
3. Jibrin Isah (Kogi East Senatorial District)
For Kogi East, Jibrin Isah, born on February 28, 1960, continues to represent the district in the Senate. The 64-year-old politician and former banker is currently serving his second term in the upper legislative chamber.
Isah, a member of the APC, has been active in Kogi politics since he first ran for the governorship under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011.
Although his initial attempts were unsuccessful, he secured his seat as a senator in 2019 and was re-elected in the last general election.
As part of his strategic efforts to reduce youth unemployment and drive economic empowerment in Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah awarded financial grants of 1 million naira each to twenty outstanding graduates and entrepreneurs.
The grant distribution ceremony, held at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, on April 1, 2024, was an initiative designed to boost entrepreneurial development.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Abubakar Rajab, the senator's Senior Legislative Aide said:
“The economic situation is tough, and intelligent graduates are struggling with unemployment. Our community urgently needs entrepreneurial solutions, which is why this project was established. The grants are not for luxury but are intended to be used judiciously to uplift our youth and stimulate economic development.”
“These grants are not merely financial assistance but a catalyst for positive change and sustainable economic development.”
Know Your Lawmakers Series: Here are the senators representing Akwa Ibom in 10th Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the senators representing Akwa Ibom in the 10th National Assembly play essential roles in advocating for their constituents.
TheRadar compiled the Senators representing the three senatorial districts in the state.