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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has launched two major constituency projects in Kogi Central, commissioning a free campus-wide Wi-Fi facility at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Okene to boost digital education and unveiling a 10,000 economic trees planting initiative to support climate action.
This was disclosed in a statement by her media office yesterday.
Addressing students after the installation, the senator said access to the internet had become essential for education and economic advancement.
“Education remains one of the greatest investments we can make in our future. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it is an essential tool for learning, innovation, research and economic empowerment. Our students deserve the same digital opportunities available anywhere in the world,” she said.
She added that the free Wi-Fi initiative would enable students to access global learning resources, online certification programmes, artificial intelligence tools, software development opportunities and remote employment.
The statement said students of the institution welcomed the development, describing it as a significant intervention that would enhance teaching, learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, while reducing the cost of internet access.
It added that the facility would improve academic research, provide easier access to digital libraries and online courses and help them acquire globally competitive digital skills.
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In a related development, the senator said the tree-planting project, themed “Growing Kogi Central, Building Our Future,” aligns with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) agenda by promoting environmental sustainability, combating climate change, creating economic opportunities, strengthening food security and securing a greener future for generations.
Speaking at the launch, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the initiative as more than a tree-planting exercise, saying it represents Kogi Central’s contribution to global efforts to address climate change.
“Today, Kogi Central is joining the global movement for climate action. Every tree we plant is a symbol of hope, resilience and our collective determination to leave behind a healthier environment and a stronger economy for future generations,” she said.
According to her, the project would involve the planting of 10,000 economic trees, including mango, orange, guava, moringa, neem and other indigenous species selected for their environmental, nutritional, medicinal and commercial value.
She said the initiative seeks to restore degraded landscapes, curb soil erosion, improve biodiversity, strengthen food security and create sustainable sources of income for households across the district.
The senator noted that tree planting remains one of the most effective nature-based solutions to climate change, adding that the programme translates global climate commitments into practical community development.
“Our people should not have to choose between protecting the environment and earning a living. These trees will provide cleaner air, healthier communities, increased food production, additional household income and lasting environmental protection,” she said.
She urged traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and schools to take ownership of the project by nurturing the trees after planting.
