Have you ever wondered what it takes to break through the glass ceiling in Nigerian politics? Meet Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a name that has become synonymous with resilience, determination, and groundbreaking achievements in Nigeria’s political landscape. This remarkable woman has not only made history as the first elected female senator from Kogi State but has also redefined what it means to be a leader in contemporary Nigeria.
Natasha Akpoti represents the perfect blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and political prowess. Her journey from a young lawyer to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians is nothing short of inspiring. With her unique background, including Ukrainian heritage, and her unwavering commitment to social justice, Natasha Akpoti has captured the attention of millions across Nigeria and beyond.
Quick Facts About Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Full Name: Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan
Nickname: Senator Natasha
Date of Birth: December 9, 1979
Age: 45 years old (as of 2024)
Birthplace: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Senator, Lawyer, Social Entrepreneur
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Height: Approximately 5’6″ (168 cm)
Weight: Not publicly disclosed
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Net Worth: Estimated $1-2 million USD
Marital Status: Married
Spouse/Partner: Emmanuel Uduaghan
Children: Three children
Social Media: Active on Instagram (@natashaakpoti) with 283K followers, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn
Early Life and Family Background of Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti was born on Sunday, December 9th, 1979 at the Maternity Hospital Ilorin, Kwara state (now University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital). She is the second of four children and only daughter of a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother. Her unique multicultural heritage has played a significant role in shaping her worldview and approach to leadership.
Her mother, Ludmila Kravchenko was born in Rakitna in the region of Chernivtsi in Ukraine; and her father, Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti was born in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi state (then Kwara state). Natasha’s parents met in the then Soviet Union where her father was a foreign medical student on scholarship at the Bolomolets Medical University, Ukraine.
This international connection between her parents created a rich cultural tapestry that would later influence Natasha Akpoti’s global perspective on governance and development. Her father’s medical background and her mother’s Ukrainian heritage exposed her to diverse ways of thinking about problem-solving and community service from an early age.
Educational Journey of Natasha Akpoti
She attended her primary education at Christ the King School, Okene, Kogi State, and a brief secondary education at Government Girls Unity Secondary School in Oboroke, Kogi. Her educational foundation was built on strong moral and academic principles that would serve her well in her future endeavors.
Natasha Akpoti studied law at the University of Abuja from 2000 to 2004 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005. She attended the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja, beginning in 2004, and was called to the bar in November 2005. She obtained a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dundee, Scotland, in 2012.
Her educational achievements demonstrate her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. The combination of her law degree and MBA has proven invaluable in her various roles as a legal practitioner, entrepreneur, and politician.
Early Interests and Inspirations
From her early years, Natasha Akpoti showed a keen interest in social justice and community development. Her exposure to different cultures through her parents’ backgrounds instilled in her a deep appreciation for diversity and the importance of inclusive governance. These early inspirations would later manifest in her political philosophy and social entrepreneurship initiatives.
Career Journey of Natasha Akpoti
She previously served as legal counsel at the Brass Liquefied Natural Gas, (LNG) where she gained valuable experience in the energy sector. This role provided her with insights into Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, which would later inform her policy positions on industrialization and economic development.
She is the Founder of Builders Hub Impact Investment Program – a Social Enterprise focused on creating jobs through the sustainable revival of Nigeria’s indigenous and neglected industries. This initiative demonstrates her commitment to practical solutions for Nigeria’s economic challenges, particularly in areas that have been overlooked by traditional development approaches.
Rise to Political Stardom
Natasha Akpoti’s entry into politics was not accidental but rather a natural progression of her commitment to social change. Her entry into politics was marked by resilience, as she contested for the Kogi Central senatorial seat multiple times, facing strong opposition from established political structures.
The cerebral lawyer ran for the post of Senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District under Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2019. She later contested in the 2019 Kogi State Gubernatorial Election which was held on 16 November 2019.
Breakthrough Moment and Political Achievements
The defining moment in Natasha Akpoti’s political career came with her eventual success in securing a Senate seat. She became the first female senator from Kogi State after an extraordinary display of political grit. This achievement marked not just a personal victory but a historic moment for women’s representation in Nigerian politics.
Her breakthrough was not without challenges, as she faced numerous legal battles and political obstacles. However, her persistence and the support of her constituents ultimately led to her victory, making her a symbol of hope for women in politics across Nigeria.
Awards and Recognition
Akpoti was awarded the ‘Politician of the Year’ in the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards, an award run by Nigerian media newspaper, Leadership. She was called ‘a proven amazon in political circles’. In 2024, along Boma Goodhead, she was shortlisted for the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards.
These accolades reflect her growing influence and recognition as a formidable force in Nigerian politics. Her ability to maintain relevance and continue making impact has earned her respect across party lines and among various stakeholders in the political landscape.
Current Projects and Legislative Work
As a serving senator, Natasha Akpoti continues to champion causes related to women’s empowerment, youth development, and industrial growth. Her legislative agenda focuses on creating an enabling environment for businesses, particularly those that can provide employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
Personal Life of Natasha Akpoti
Relationships and Marriage
Natasha Akpoti is currently married to Emmanuel Uduaghan, and their union has been a source of strength and stability in her political journey. Her marriage demonstrates her ability to balance personal relationships with the demanding requirements of public service.
Children and Family Life
Natasha Akpoti is a devoted mother of three children. Despite her busy political schedule, she remains committed to her role as a mother and often speaks about the importance of family values in shaping the next generation of leaders.
Hobbies and Interests Outside Politics
Beyond politics, Natasha Akpoti enjoys reading, traveling, and engaging in community service activities. Her diverse interests reflect her well-rounded personality and her commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
Net Worth and Lifestyle of Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a successful Nigerian politician and lawyer who has amassed a net worth of $1 million. She has achieved this through her hard work and dedication to her professional career. However, various estimates suggest her net worth could be between $1-2 million USD, considering her various business interests and professional achievements.
Income Sources
Her sources of income include her work as a lawyer and any earnings from her political endeavors. Additionally, her role as founder of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and her previous work in the oil and gas sector contribute to her financial portfolio.
Her senate salary, combined with her business interests and legal practice, provides multiple streams of income that support her comfortable lifestyle while enabling her to fund various community development projects.
Houses, Cars, and Luxury Items
While Natasha Akpoti maintains a relatively private lifestyle regarding her personal possessions, she is known to own properties in Abuja and Kogi State. Her lifestyle reflects someone who values substance over ostentatious display, preferring to invest in causes that benefit her community.
Brand Collaborations and Partnerships
As a public figure, Natasha Akpoti has been careful about her brand associations, preferring partnerships that align with her values of social justice and community development. Her collaborations tend to focus on educational initiatives, women’s empowerment programs, and small business development.
Social Media Presence of Natasha Akpoti
Instagram Handle and Followers
283K Followers, 146 Following, 223 Posts –Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan (@natashaakpoti) on Instagram: ‘Wife, Mother, Senator, Social Entrepreneur ‘
Her Instagram profile clearly defines her priorities, highlighting her multiple roles as a family woman and public servant. With over 283,000 followers, she maintains significant influence on the platform.
Twitter/X and LinkedIn Profiles
Natasha Akpoti maintains active profiles on Twitter/X and LinkedIn, where she shares updates about her legislative work, community projects, and thoughts on national issues. Her social media strategy focuses on transparency and regular communication with constituents.
How She Interacts with Fans Online
Through her social media platforms, Natasha Akpoti regularly engages with followers, responding to questions about policy issues and sharing insights into her daily activities as a senator. Her approach to online engagement is professional yet personable, maintaining the balance expected of a public figure.
Controversies and Public Image of Natasha Akpoti
Like most politicians, Natasha Akpoti has faced her share of controversies, primarily related to election disputes and political rivalries. Her multiple attempts to secure the Senate seat led to several legal battles, which she navigated with determination and legal expertise.
Her outspoken nature on issues of governance and development has sometimes put her at odds with political opponents, but she has maintained her positions based on principle rather than political expediency.
Public Statements and Media Coverage
Natasha Akpoti is known for her articulate and well-reasoned public statements on national issues. The media has generally portrayed her as a serious-minded politician who brings substance to political discourse rather than engaging in frivolous controversies.
Her media coverage has been largely positive, focusing on her achievements, her advocacy for women’s rights, and her contributions to legislative debates in the Senate.
Fun Facts About Natasha Akpoti
- Multicultural Heritage: She is one of the few Nigerian politicians with Ukrainian ancestry, which gives her a unique perspective on international relations
- Legal Background: Before entering politics, she worked as legal counsel for major corporations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector
- First Female Senator: She made history as the first elected female senator from Kogi State
- Social Entrepreneur: She founded a social enterprise focused on reviving Nigeria’s neglected industries
- Educational Achievement: She holds both a law degree and an MBA from prestigious institutions
- Multilingual: Due to her multicultural background, she speaks multiple languages fluently
- Awards Winner: She was named ‘Politician of the Year’ in 2023 by Leadership newspaper
- Mother of Three: She successfully balances motherhood with her demanding political career
- Community Developer: Her early career included significant work in community development projects
- Resilient Fighter: She contested for political office multiple times before achieving success, demonstrating remarkable persistence
Frequently Asked Questions About Natasha Akpoti
What is Natasha Akpoti’s Educational Background?
Natasha Akpoti holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Abuja, where she studied from 2000 to 2004. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in November 2005 after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja. She further enhanced her qualifications by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Dundee, Scotland, in 2012. This combination of legal expertise and business knowledge has been instrumental in her success as both an entrepreneur and politician.
How Did Natasha Akpoti Become the First Female Senator from Kogi State?
Natasha Akpoti became the first elected female senator from Kogi State through a combination of persistence, legal expertise, and strong grassroots support. After multiple attempts to secure the Kogi Central Senatorial seat, including runs in 2019 under different political parties, she eventually succeeded through the courts.
Her victory was the result of legal challenges to election results, which she pursued with determination. Her success represents a breakthrough for women’s political participation in Kogi State and serves as an inspiration for other women aspiring to political office.
What is the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program?
The Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) is a social enterprise founded by Natasha Akpoti that focuses on creating jobs through the sustainable revival of Nigeria’s indigenous and neglected industries.
The program aims to address unemployment by identifying and supporting traditional Nigerian industries that have been overlooked in modern development efforts. Through BHIIP, Natasha Akpoti has demonstrated her commitment to practical solutions for economic development, particularly in areas that can provide meaningful employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
What Awards Has Natasha Akpoti Won?
Natasha Akpoti has received several notable awards and recognitions for her political and social contributions. Most prominently, she was awarded ‘Politician of the Year’ in the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards by Leadership newspaper, where she was described as ‘a proven amazon in political circles.’
In 2024, she was also shortlisted for the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards alongside other distinguished women leaders. These awards recognize her contributions to politics, her advocacy for women’s rights, and her role in breaking barriers for female political participation in Nigeria.
How Does Natasha Akpoti Balance Family Life with Her Political Career?
Natasha Akpoti successfully balances her roles as a wife, mother of three children, and senator through careful time management and strong family support. She often speaks about the importance of family values and credits her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, for providing support that enables her to pursue her political career.
Her social media profiles consistently highlight her identity as both a family woman and a public servant. She maintains that her family responsibilities actually strengthen her understanding of the issues facing ordinary Nigerians, making her a more effective representative of her constituents’ needs.
Conclusion…
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s biography represents more than just the story of one woman’s rise to political prominence in Nigeria. Her journey from a young lawyer with Ukrainian-Nigerian heritage to becoming the first elected female senator from Kogi State embodies the possibilities that exist for determined individuals who are committed to positive change.
Her story offers valuable lessons about persistence, the importance of education, and the power of maintaining one’s principles even in the face of significant challenges. The establishment of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and her focus on reviving Nigeria’s neglected industries show her commitment to practical solutions rather than mere political rhetoric. Her recognition as ‘Politician of the Year’ in 2023 and other accolades confirm her growing influence and the respect she has earned across Nigeria’s political landscape.
