Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday inaugurated a modern 21st-century maternity centre in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, in a move widely hailed as a model of transparency and ethical leadership in public service.
Remarkably, the facility was executed without a single kobo from her constituency allocations, relying instead on a crowdfunding initiative largely supported by Nigerians outside her district.
Speaking at the commissioning, which coincided with celebrations of her 46th birthday, the senator described the project as “a people-driven gift, a labour of love,” emphasising that about 99 per cent of contributors were not from Kogi State.
She stressed that the initiative demonstrated how leadership goes beyond the disbursement of public funds.
She highlighted the importance of mobilising goodwill and collaborative resources for community development.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also clarified that her recent projects at the Federal Government College, Idoani, including a new auditorium and staff quarters, were funded similarly without tapping into constituency funds.
On another note, she revealed that the six houses she constructed for her legislative aides were privately financed, describing them as a personal gesture of appreciation.
Health professionals who inspected the maternity centre praised it as one of the most advanced community-oriented maternal facilities in the North-Central region.
The centre boasts world-class delivery suites, neonatal care units, digital monitoring systems, and emergency response technology, aiming to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality in the area.
Community leaders, women’s groups, and traditional rulers expressed profound appreciation for the initiative.
They noted that the centre would serve thousands of families within and beyond Kogi Central. Residents described the centre as a long-awaited lifeline for the community, reflecting both foresight and compassion in public service.
In her remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated that her governance philosophy is anchored on compassion, inclusiveness, and accountability.
Her personal slogan, “Making the Strange Familiar,” resonated throughout the event, underscoring her commitment to turning ambitious ideas into concrete, community-transforming outcomes.
For the people of Kogi Central, the newly commissioned maternity centre is more than a birthday gift; it is a landmark of hope and a testament to leadership measured by impact, integrity, and humanity.
