Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of Nigeria’s most courageous and inspiring female politicians. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and determination. She rose from humble beginnings to become the first female senator from Kogi State, Nigeria. Natasha is not just a politician; she is a lawyer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and a strong voice for justice and equality. Her courage to speak the truth even when it is risky has earned her respect and admiration from many Nigerians. Her journey shows what it means to fight for one’s dreams despite challenges and opposition.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan Biography and Early Life
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan was born on December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. She was born into a mixed-race family. Her father, Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, was a respected Nigerian medical doctor from Obeiba-Ihima in Kogi State, while her mother, Ludmila Kravchenko, is a Ukrainian woman from the Chernivtsi region of Ukraine. Natasha is the second child in a family of four children and the only daughter. Growing up in such a diverse home helped her learn the importance of love, discipline, and hard work.
Natasha spent most of her early years in Kogi State, where she was raised by her parents in a loving but disciplined environment. Her father, being a doctor, taught her to value education, honesty, and service to humanity. Sadly, in 1998, when Natasha was just 19 years old, her father passed away. His death was a big loss to her family, but it also strengthened her resolve to make something meaningful out of her life.
Her mother, being from Ukraine, also played a strong role in shaping her values. She taught Natasha how to be independent and strong. Natasha often speaks proudly of her mother, saying she learned compassion and resilience from her. Her mixed cultural background helped her develop a broad worldview, blending both African and European values.
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Education
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an intelligent woman who values learning and personal development. She attended schools in Kogi State for her early education and later moved on to the University of Abuja, where she studied law. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Abuja between 2000 and 2004.
After completing her undergraduate studies, she proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005, officially becoming a lawyer. Her love for knowledge did not stop there. In her quest to understand how law and business relate to the oil and gas industry, she furthered her education abroad. She traveled to the United Kingdom and studied at the University of Dundee in Scotland, where she earned a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Law as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Oil and Gas Management.
Her education both in Nigeria and abroad helped her develop a strong sense of purpose and the confidence to take on complex challenges. She became known as a woman who combines beauty, brains, and boldness.
Career and Professional Life
After her studies, Natasha began her professional career as a lawyer. She worked at Brass LNG, an oil and gas company, from 2007 to 2010. While working there, she handled legal matters and learned more about the oil and gas sector. Her time in the corporate world gave her valuable experience in management, business operations, and negotiation.
However, Natasha’s passion went beyond just working in the private sector. She wanted to make a real impact on society, especially in her home state, Kogi. She saw how many young people struggled with unemployment and poverty, and this made her think of ways to help.
In 2015, she founded an organization called Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP). This program was designed to promote local businesses, create jobs, and empower people, especially women and youth. She became known for her work in reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which she saw as a key solution to Nigeria’s unemployment and industrial challenges.
Natasha gained national attention in 2018 when she presented a detailed report to the National Assembly about the problems affecting the Ajaokuta Steel Mill. Her report exposed corruption and mismanagement in the project. This bold move earned her both admiration and criticism. Many Nigerians praised her for her honesty and courage, while others saw her as a threat to the political establishment.
Natasha’s desire to bring positive change to Kogi State and Nigeria led her to join politics. In 2019, she contested for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Although she did not win, her campaign inspired many people, especially women, to believe in their ability to participate in politics.
That same year, she also contested for the governorship of Kogi State. Even though she lost, her courage to challenge powerful male politicians made her stand out. Her campaign focused on development, industrialization, and transparency in government.
In 2023, Natasha returned to politics with more determination. This time, she joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and again contested for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat. The election was tough, and there were controversies around the results. However, after months of legal battles, the Court of Appeal declared her the rightful winner. This made her the first-ever female senator from Kogi State. It was a historic victory that showed that persistence truly pays off.
Since she became a senator, Natasha has been using her position to fight for better governance, women’s empowerment, and youth development. She has also spoken boldly about corruption and injustice in government. Her leadership style is fearless and firm. She believes that politics should be about service, not personal gain.
Challenges and Controversies
Like many outspoken politicians, Natasha has faced her share of challenges and controversies. In 2025, she accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. Her allegations caused a huge debate across the country. Instead of receiving justice, the Senate suspended her for six months, claiming her actions were “unruly and disruptive.”
Her suspension drew wide criticism from civil society groups, women’s organizations, and many Nigerians who felt she was being punished for speaking out. The incident sparked a national movement under the slogan “We are all Natasha”, symbolizing the struggle of women facing harassment and intimidation in politics.
Even though she faced strong opposition, Natasha refused to be silenced. She continued to speak boldly about the rights of women and the need for fairness in leadership. Her strength during these tough times showed her as a woman of courage and conviction.
Personal Life
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just a politician; she is also a wife and a mother. On March 5, 2022, she married Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, a respected businessman. Their wedding was attended by many political figures, friends, and family members. Natasha has children and often talks about how much she loves being a mother. She balances her busy political life with her family responsibilities, showing that women can have successful careers and happy families at the same time.
Natasha’s mixed Nigerian and Ukrainian background gives her a unique personality. She is fluent in both English and a bit of Ukrainian, and she takes pride in her cultural roots. She often says that her diverse heritage makes her see the world from a balanced point of view.
Achievements
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s achievements are both inspiring and remarkable. She has made history as the first woman from Kogi State to be elected as a senator. She has used her platform to advocate for the revival of local industries, better education, women’s rights, and youth empowerment.
She has received several awards and recognitions for her contribution to society and politics. In 2023, she was named Politician of the Year by several media organizations, including Vanguard Newspapers. Her name continues to be associated with bravery, intelligence, and good leadership.
Natasha is also a philanthropist. Through her foundation, she supports widows, young entrepreneurs, and children who cannot afford school fees. Her humanitarian work has touched the lives of many people in Kogi State and beyond.
Net Worth
Although Natasha has not publicly declared her exact net worth, her income comes from her career as a lawyer, businesswoman, and senator. Based on her professional and political activities, her estimated net worth is believed to be around $2 million to $5 million. However, she is not known for living a flashy lifestyle. She focuses more on service, charity, and empowerment.
Conclusion
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s story is one of hope, courage, and persistence. She has shown that a woman can rise above challenges and make a difference in a society that often underestimates women. From a young girl who lost her father early in life to becoming a respected senator, Natasha’s journey is truly inspiring.
Her name has become a symbol of strength for Nigerian women who wish to participate in politics or stand up for justice. Despite facing opposition, she continues to fight for truth and fairness. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legacy will forever remain as one of the boldest and most fearless women to ever walk the corridors of Nigerian power.