Why I Stopped Giving Sewing Machines And Started Giving N5m Cash — Senator Natasha

Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has explained her decision to distribute multi-million-naira cash grants to constituents, saying the intervention was designed to give small business owners the flexibility to address their most pressing needs and expand their enterprises.

The Senator, who marked her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly on November 2, 2026, disclosed that beneficiaries of the business empowerment programme received between N100,000 and N5 million, depending on the nature and requirements of their businesses.

Farmers, tailors, carpenters, content creators and small-scale manufacturers were among the beneficiaries of the direct cash empowerment initiative, with some receiving N2 million, N3 million and N4 million, while others received up to N5 million through bank transfers.

Speaking during the commencement of the grant distribution, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her decision to embrace direct cash assistance followed lessons from previous empowerment programmes in which she distributed business equipment to constituents.

“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 N5 million through transfer,” she said.

The Senator explained that the cash-based intervention was intended to allow beneficiaries to determine how best to deploy the funds, rather than restricting them to specific equipment that might not address their immediate business challenges.

She said the initiative was part of her commitment to strengthening local enterprises, supporting livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities across Kogi Central.

In her anniversary message, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the intervention was designed to support entrepreneurs whose businesses contribute to the economic activities of their communities.

“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.

“Thus, I’m grateful to God and honoured to support local businesses with the financial assistance they need to grow,” she stated.

The intervention comes amid growing recognition of small and medium-sized enterprises as major drivers of employment, household income and grassroots economic development in Nigeria.