Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has defended her decision to distribute cash to constituents during an empowerment programme in Kogi State, saying beneficiaries preferred direct financial assistance to business equipment.

The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District made the clarification in a statement issued by her media aide, Mike Idoko, on Wednesday, following criticism on social media over videos and photos of bundles of naira notes displayed during the event.

The programme, held on November 2, 2026, was part of activities marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said previous interventions where she distributed sewing machines showed that some beneficiaries sold the equipment to boost their businesses or pay rent.

“I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent. So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. There are also those who will get N5m through transfer,” she said.

She said the empowerment programme covered small-scale entrepreneurs across Kogi Central, including farmers, tailors, content creators and small-scale manufacturers.

“We rounded off our third anniversary in office by supporting small businesses across Kogi Central with cash grants. From farmers and tailors to content creators and small-scale manufacturers, these entrepreneurs are building livelihoods and strengthening our local economy,” she added.

According to her, beneficiaries received grants ranging from N100,000 to N5 million, depending on their business needs. Some received N2m, N3m and N4m, while others will receive up to N5m through bank transfers.

The cash distribution attracted mixed reactions online, with civic group MonITNG questioning the public display of cash as empowerment.

The issue also sparked debate on Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday, where anchors Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati disagreed over the senator’s approach.

Oseni defended Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying: “You can’t blame Natasha, she tried the machines, they sold them. People need cash for their businesses.”

Abati countered that displaying bundles of cash on tables is not empowerment, saying: “Displaying bundles of cash is not empowerment. You don’t build the economy by displaying cash.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is seeking re-election in 2027.