Rufai, Abati Clash Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme in Kogi

Rufai, Abati Clash Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme in Kogi

 

Popular Arise Television presenters, Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati, have expressed differing views over the controversial cash empowerment programme organised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her constituents in Kogi State.

 

The disagreement followed the circulation of videos showing bundles of naira notes displayed during an empowerment programme organised by the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

 

The initiative, which has generated widespread reactions across social media, became a subject of discussion during Arise Television’s morning programme, where the two journalists offered contrasting perspectives on the lawmaker’s decision to distribute cash rather than business equipment.

 

While Rufai Oseni defended the senator’s approach, Reuben Abati reportedly raised concerns about the implications of distributing large sums of physical cash under constituency empowerment programmes.

 

The development has reignited public debate about the effectiveness, transparency and long-term benefits of political empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.

 

The programme was organised as part of activities marking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly on November 2, 2026.

 

The lawmaker subsequently explained that her decision to provide direct financial assistance was informed by experiences from previous empowerment programmes, during which some beneficiaries allegedly sold the equipment given to them.

 

Defending the initiative, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that distributing cash would give beneficiaries greater freedom to address their individual business needs rather than receiving equipment they might not necessarily require.

 

According to her, she had previously distributed sewing machines to beneficiaries but later discovered that some recipients sold the machines to raise money for other pressing needs, including business expansion and payment of rent.

 

She said the experience informed her decision to adopt direct cash assistance for those who requested financial support to establish businesses or increase their existing stock.

 

The senator also disclosed that some beneficiaries would receive as much as ₦5 million through bank transfers.

 

The empowerment programme reportedly covered small-scale entrepreneurs operating in different sectors, including agriculture, tailoring, content creation and manufacturing.

 

Beneficiaries received grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5 million, depending on their business needs and the nature of their activities.

 

However, the public display of bundles of cash during the exercise attracted criticism, with some Nigerians questioning whether distributing money in such a manner represents an effective approach to constituency development.

 

Others argued that direct financial assistance could provide immediate relief and business capital for entrepreneurs struggling with the rising cost of operating small businesses.

 

The disagreement between Oseni and Abati has further brought the debate into the spotlight, particularly regarding whether lawmakers should prioritise direct cash grants or provide equipment, skills acquisition opportunities and other sustainable economic interventions.

 

The controversy has also raised broader questions about how constituency empowerment programmes should be structured to ensure accountability, measurable impact and lasting economic benefits for beneficiaries.

 

Rufai, Abati Clash Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme in Kogi