Natasha Commissions 50,000-litre Water Reticulation System, Other Legacy Projects

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, yesterday inaugurated a 50,000-capacity water reticulation system in her constituency as part of activities to mark her one year in office,
The Senator, according to a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, yesterday said the project was part of her campaign promise to ensure access to clean water for her constituents and pledged to undertake further initiatives.
She said: “I am overwhelmed with joy and pleased that we have managed to fulfill several of our campaign promises.
“Water is essential for everything, and I have witnessed our people walking long distances in search of it.
“This was a specific concern I presented to the federal government. Today, we have twelve water reticulation projects across Kogi Central, with six ready for commissioning.
“This 50,000-liter water project is designed for durability. Each water tank is capable of serving 50 homes. We will continue to advocate for more water projects in the future.
“Although I belong to the PDP, I am confident that Mr. President will approve our projects, as you are deserving people who deserve the best.”
The statement added that Akpoti-Uduaghan had also facilitated skills acquisition programmes to train and empower the people of Kogi Central, alongside other legacy projects.
These initiatives, the statement added, were aimed at empowering the people of Kogi Central and address local infrastructure needs.
The skills acquisition programmes, it further stated, included training in fashion design, block molding and tiling, welding, fishery, and catering.
She said: “Beneficiaries from the five local government areas of the district will receive necessary equipment and startup funds for their businesses.”
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly condemned the detention of minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, describing it as “inhumane and unjust”.
The senator equally called on the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to investigate the detention order granted by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court.
She argued that detaining minors in a medium correctional facility is wrong and violates their fundamental human rights.
She emphasised that children should be tried in a juvenile court, and their identities protected, not displayed or published in Court.
The senator also urged the Controller of Prisons, Haliru Nababa, to investigate the detention conditions of juveniles at the Kuje Correctional Center, citing malnourishment and improper facilities.

She added that Kuje medium security custodian centre is not designed for detaining children and that juvenile correctional facilities should be used instead.

Akpoti-Uduaghan appealed to the federal government to “temper justice with mercy” and release the detained minors, stating that they were likely used by unscrupulous adults to commit crimes. She believes that the children should be in school, not in detention.

The development comes after 76 minors were arraigned in a Federal High Court in Abuja, sparking widespread concern over the treatment of protesters, particularly minors.