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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has stepped up efforts to attract foreign partnerships to Kogi State after hosting diplomatic representatives from four European countries on a tour designed to showcase the state’s business opportunities and cultural assets.
The delegation featured ambassadors from Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Spain, who visited historical locations, engaged with indigenous business owners and witnessed traditional production activities in Kogi Central.
The exercise was intended to introduce potential foreign partners to investment opportunities in the area, particularly in tourism, local manufacturing, handicrafts and other enterprises capable of creating jobs and improving household incomes.
During the visit, the diplomats toured Lord Lugard’s Rest House on Mount Patti in Lokoja and the meeting point of the Niger and Benue rivers before proceeding to communities in Kogi Central.
Their activities included interactions with local artisans involved in pottery, traditional textile production, shea butter processing, palm kernel oil extraction and black soap making. The visitors also sampled indigenous dishes and watched a masquerade performance highlighting Ebira cultural traditions.
Italy’s ambassador, Roberto Mengoni, expressed optimism about the prospects for collaboration with Kogi, describing the state’s natural resources and attractions as promising assets. Belgium’s ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, also praised the experience, while Denmark’s envoy, Jens Hansen, highlighted the potential of locally produced crafts to reach broader markets.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the engagement was intended to change perceptions about the region by drawing attention to its entrepreneurial capacity and economic resources beyond tourism. She expressed hope that the discussions would produce practical partnerships in investment and humanitarian development.
However, an intended stop at the Ajaokuta Steel Company was unsuccessful after access to the facility was reportedly not approved despite a written application. The delegation was left to observe the complex from outside the premises.
The senator expressed disappointment over the development, renewing her call for the steel plant to be revived. She argued that bringing Ajaokuta into full operation would provide a major boost to Nigeria’s industrial sector, expand employment opportunities and strengthen local production.
The visit concluded with Akpoti-Uduaghan thanking community leaders, artisans and residents for their participation and hospitality. She said showcasing Kogi’s cultural heritage and indigenous businesses to international representatives was an important step towards attracting the partnerships needed to support economic growth.
