By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The National Executive Council of Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), has nominated the famous, delectable , and ebullient Senator Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti – Uduaghan for the prestigious, MOST OUTSTANDING INTEGRITY SENATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2025.

In a Press Statement issued on behalf of the Association signed by the National President, Dr Charles Okhai, contended that Sen. Natasha was nominated for the pricey Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Patriotic Zeal, Diligencce, and her creative leadership capacity. According to the statement, Sen. Natasha has demonstrated responsible representation of her people at the upper chamber since elected.

Senator (Barr.) Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the First Female Senator to be elected from Kogi. She represents the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly. Until her election into the Nigerian Senate, Senator Natasha was an entrepreneur, founder of Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and CEO of Legendark Group.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was a corporate lawyer, but much more, she is a courageous and passionate human rights activist and defender of the oppressed who has had to put her comfort and safety on the line in defence of these values.

She is a resilient political reformer whose passions centre on the advancement of public good and preservation of a just society. Born on December 9th, 1979, Senator Natasha is from Obeiba, Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan attended Christ the King Nursery and Primary School, Okene, Kogi State for her Primary Education. She attended Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Oboroke, Kogi State, and then proceeded to Federal Government College Idoani, Ondo state for her Senior Secondary School Certificate.

She proceeded to University of Abuja she obtained the Bachelor of Laws Degree. In 2004, Senator Natasha proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja and was called to the Nigerian Bar on the 8th November 2005.

Thereafter, she continued her quest for resourceful knowledge at the University of Dundee in Scotland, UK, where she graduated as the Best MBA (Oil and Gas Management).

In 2016, she attended the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program in Singapore where she acquired applicable knowledge on smart innovative sustainable solutions for tackling neglected problems at all levels of society.

Attaining a high merit, she excelled in vital modules such as Strategic Management and Organizational Analysis; Leadership and Decision-making; International Arbitration; Management in Energy and Natural Resources Industries; International Petroleum Law, and Ultimately Business Strategy in Extractive Industries amongst others.

Senator Natasha has been the foremost advocate for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and harnessing of the enormous iron ore deposit at Itakpe, all situate at Kogi State. She started by putting out two public interest petitions on change.org in October 2015. On the 25th of January, 2016 Senator Natasha led a massive awareness walk to draw Government attention to the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Her advocacy climaxed on the 1st March 2018 when she made an expository presentation of facts on the floor of the National Assembly’s plenary debate on the Nigeria’s steel sector which led to the creation of a $1b lifeline funding for the revival of Ajaokuta steel company.

Senator Natasha’s recommendation of Government-to-Government bilateral agreement for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company was achieved in October 2019 when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Nigerian and Russian Governments at the Russia-Africa Summit held in Sochi, Russia, with an investment commitment of $1.4 billion by AfreximBank for the Ajaokuta project.

As part of her mentorship and youth development program.

Senator Natasha has visited over 30 renowned tertiary institutions across Nigeria to deliver inspiring lectures and held entrepreneurial seminars to gear students toward self-employment, self-reliance and patriotic contribution to nation-building.

She recently sponsored two Bills: one, in order to give significance to Gold Reserve and the attendant urgency exploitation and harnessing of our precious metals calls, and encourage diversification of Nigeria’s economy away from oil which sales compel a reserve only in the US Dollar; and two, the Cottage Industries Bill which emphasizes the training and acquisition of skills necessary to drive small-scale production locations that produce food, goods and services, thereby reducing unemployment and dependence on imported goods.

Senator Natasha who detests indolence and dishonesty, is a dogged and ebullient defender of what is right and just.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has called on the government to avoid intimidating or harassing a National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, for her statement against President Bola Tinubu.

He also warned the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against subjecting the lady to any form of intimidation.

Peter Obi, in a statement on Sunday evening, said the current government has a worrying trend of threatening those who speak out against them or offer constructive comments.

Recall that Uguamaye, in a viral video, had lamented the hardship faced by citizens as a result of the economic policies of the current administration and described Tinubu as a “terrible president.”

The development has earned her a summon by the NYSC administration and also support from public figures likes of Mr. Macaroni, Omoyele Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In his reaction, Obi said the action so far taken by the government against the lady resembles the intimidation, harassment, and name-calling he also suffers from the same government.

He said such actions against those who dare to speak the truth to power are unacceptable, undemocratic and worrying as the government should not silence the citizens.

“The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.

“Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration.

“This pattern is not isolated. I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments.

“I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies.

“Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt,” he said.

The former Anambra State Governor instead called on the government to allow constructive criticism.

He also charged the citizens not to allow fear or intimidation to stop them from speaking the truth as freedom of speech is a constitutional right and important feature of democracy.

He charged the government to instead focus on taking action on addressing issues raised by Nigerians.

“I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

“To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.

“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.

A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO,” he said.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira in the Lagos parallel market (black market) shows that traders are buying at ₦1,595 per dollar and selling at ₦1,610 per dollar on Sunday, March 17, 2025, according to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources.

Important Notice:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the black market and has advised individuals and businesses to conduct foreign exchange transactions through authorized financial institutions, such as commercial banks.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rates Today – Black Market

USD to NGN Black Market Rate

Buying Rate ₦1,595

Selling Rate ₦1,610

CBN Official Exchange Rate for Dollar to Naira

USD to NGN CBN Rate Today

Highest Rate ₦1,548

Lowest Rate ₦1,480

Foreign exchange rates fluctuate based on market conditions, location, and negotiation power. The rates listed here are estimates, and actual prices may vary when exchanging currency. Always verify with your forex dealer before making transactions.