It was an evening of inspiration and mentorship as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, brought together young women from across Nigeria to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The event, themed “An Evening with Senator Natasha,” provided a platform for open dialogue, reflection, and leadership mentoring, with the senator urging young women to embrace courage, self-awareness, and purposeful leadership.
The gathering, inspired by the global theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” held in Abuja and featured over fifty young women from diverse backgrounds. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and inspiration as participants shared their stories, aspirations, and challenges, drawing from the senator’s deeply personal reflections on leadership and resilience.
In her address, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that leadership begins with self-discovery, a journey often neglected by many in a society that imposes rigid definitions of success and gender roles. “It’s important to identify the girl that I am,” she declared. “Many of us, especially girls, grow up without ever taking the time to understand or connect with who we truly are. Society defines and shapes us from childhood, and we’re rarely given the chance to think for ourselves. Before you figure out your career, your drive, or the change you want to make, you must first know who you are.”
Her words resonated deeply, sparking emotional responses from participants who reflected on the pressures of societal expectations and the need for authenticity in leadership. Senator Natasha, known for her fearless advocacy for justice, gender equity, and good governance, challenged the attendees to confront and overcome the societal structures that have historically silenced women. “Women have been raised to take the shame, wear the blame, and zip their mouths shut,” she said powerfully. “But that ends with us. We must find the courage to be bold, audacious, and fearless — to break barriers and climb higher mountains.”
She further expressed her commitment to advancing the voices of women and girls through mentorship, policy advocacy, and social inclusion, noting that true fulfillment for her comes only when lives and communities once deprived are transformed.
The event also featured notable guest speakers who shared stories of endurance, transformation, and leadership in the face of adversity. One of the most emotional moments came from Yakubu Oyiza Hope, an anti-human trafficking advocate, who recounted her painful but inspiring journey through abduction, violence, and survival, a story that underscored the event’s theme of resilience and change. Her story drew tears and applause as she described how she turned her trauma into advocacy, becoming a voice for victims of trafficking and exploitation.
Participants described the event as a life-changing experience, praising Senator Natasha for creating a safe and empowering space for dialogue and growth. Many expressed their desire for continuity through an established mentorship platform that would provide ongoing guidance for young women nationwide. “This evening has opened my eyes to see leadership differently,” said one participant. “Senator Natasha is not just a politician; she is a mentor, a mother figure, and a role model who understands what it means to rise above obstacles.”
The event drew wide media attention, with several prominent journalists and broadcasters, including Sadiyat Inoh Abah of AIT, in attendance. The evening ended on a high note with renewed hope as the participants pledged to become active change agents within their communities, championing education, leadership, and gender equality.
The Kogi Central lawmaker continues to reinforce her image as a trailblazer and advocate for the empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria. Her message of boldness, authenticity, and transformation echoes far beyond politics — inspiring a new generation of women to rise, lead, and redefine their destinies.
By Naija Reality News Correspondent
For Naija Reality News | RFT News 24/7
