Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on young Nigerian women to challenge cultural and social practices that condition them to endure shame and silence in the face of injustice, urging them to embrace self-discovery, courage, and leadership.
The Kogi Central Senatorial District lawmaker made the appeal during an interactive mentorship session held in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The event, tagged “An Evening with Senator Natasha,” had the theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
Women Conditioned to Hide Their Voices
In her keynote address, Akpoti-Uduaghan lamented that societal expectations have long pressured women to suppress their voices and accept blame for issues beyond their control.
“It’s important to identify the girl that I am. Many of us, especially girls, grow up without ever taking the time to understand or connect with who we truly are,” she said.
According to her, culture has defined girls’ paths from childhood, denying them the opportunity to think independently or make personal choices. “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,” she stated.
The senator emphasized that this mindset must change, declaring that women have for too long been raised to tolerate humiliation and silence. “Women have been raised to take the shame, wear the blame, and zip their mouths shut. But that ends with us. We must find the courage to be bold, audacious, and fearless, to break barriers and climb higher mountains,” she said.
Empowering the Next Generation
The event brought together over 50 young women from across Nigeria, creating a safe and open space for discussion, mentorship, and empowerment. Participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences and learn from one another’s stories.
One of the guest speakers, anti-human trafficking advocate Yakubu Oyiza Hope, recounted her painful journey through abduction, violence, and recovery before rising to become a voice for victims. Her story, according to many attendees, was both emotional and inspiring, reaffirming the theme of courage and resilience.
Okay News reports that several participants described the session as “eye-opening and transformative,” urging Senator Natasha to institutionalize a formal mentorship programme that would ensure continued guidance for girls and young women.
Beyond Politics: A Mission for Change
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that her passion for mentorship and empowerment extends beyond her political career. She said her ultimate goal is to bring tangible development and opportunities to communities that have long suffered neglect and marginalization.
“I won’t feel fulfilled until I see meaningful change happening in our communities,” she emphasized, pledging to continue supporting programs that strengthen women’s rights and education.
Return to the Senate after Suspension
The senator’s remarks came just days after her return to the National Assembly of Nigeria, following a six-month suspension that stirred controversy over gender rights and legislative fairness.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended on March 6, 2025, after protesting the reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber—a move she described as an attempt to “silence” her. During the suspension, her salaries, allowances, and security were withheld, and her office was locked.
A Federal High Court later ruled the suspension unconstitutional. Although the Senate initially resisted implementing the ruling, her office was finally reopened in late September 2025. She resumed her legislative duties officially on October 7, returning to the Senate chamber with a few supporters and colleagues after a 10-week recess.
Call to Redefine Girlhood
The senator concluded by urging Nigerian girls to take charge of their narratives and break free from the chains of cultural shame. “We must unlearn the habit of silence and begin to see ourselves as agents of change,” she said, encouraging them to be fearless in their pursuit of self-worth and purpose.
The evening ended with a renewed commitment from participants to redefine what it means to be a girl in Nigeria — confident, bold, and ready to lead change in every sphere of society.
