Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-uduaghan Biography
Absolutely — Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is a Nigerian lawyer, social entrepreneur, and politician whose life story is a compelling blend of multicultural heritage, fearless advocacy, and political trailblazing.
Early Life & Heritage
Born: December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Ethnicity: Ebira (from Kogi State)
Father: Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, a Nigerian medical doctor and politician
Mother: Ludmila Kravchenk, originally from Rakitna, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Natasha is the second of four children and spent her early years in Ihima, Okehi, Kogi State.
Education
Primary School: Christ the King School, Okene
Secondary School:
Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Oboroke
Federal Government College, Idoani (graduated 1997)
University Education:
LLB in Law – University of Abuja (2000–2004)
Called to the Nigerian Bar – November 2005
LLM in Law – University of Dundee, Scotland (2011)
MBA in Oil & Gas Management – University of Dundee (2012)
Career & Advocacy
Legal Counsel: Worked at Brass LNG from 2007 to 2010
Entrepreneurship: Founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) in 2015
National Spotlight: In 2018, she presented a report to the National Assembly exposing corruption in the Ajaokuta Steel Mill project, sparking national debate and legal scrutiny
Political Journey
2019: Ran for Kogi State Governor under the Social Democratic Party (SDP)
2023: Elected Senator for Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) — becoming the first female senator from Kogi State
Known for her bold stance on industrial revival, transparency, and women’s empowerment
Personal Life
Married: March 5, 2022, to Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri
Children: Four (three from a previous marriage, one with her current husband)
Holds the traditional title of Ohi’Ogu of Ebiraland, honoring her cultural roots
Recognition & Legacy
African Women Leadership Award by Jewel Taylor (former VP of Liberia)
Presidential Award from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (2017)
Celebrated for her fearless activism, especially around reviving Nigeria’s industrial sector and empowering marginalized communities
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s story is one of resilience, intellect, and unwavering courage. She’s not just breaking glass ceilings—she’s rebuilding the house.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan Age
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan was born on December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. That makes her 45 years old as of June 2025, and she will celebrate her 46th birthday on December 9, 2025.
Her age places her among a generation of Nigerian leaders who came of age during the country’s transition to democracy in the late 1990s. She was 25 years old when she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005, and 39 when she made her first major political run for governor of Kogi State in 2019. By age 43, she became the first female senator from Kogi State, elected in 2023.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan Education
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan’s educational journey is a testament to her intellectual rigor and global outlook. She pursued a blend of legal, managerial, and leadership training that laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.
Primary & Secondary Education
Christ the King Nursery and Primary School, Okene, Kogi State
Natasha began her formal education here, where she was known for her quiet diligence and leadership potential.
Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Oboroke, Kogi State
She completed her junior secondary education here.
Federal Government College, Idoani, Ondo State
She finished her senior secondary education in 1997 and served as Head Girl, a role that foreshadowed her future in leadership.
University Education
University of Abuja
LLB in Law (2000–2004)
She was admitted shortly after her father’s passing and balanced her studies with early motherhood.
Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja
Called to the Nigerian Bar on November 8, 2005, by the Nigerian Body of Benchers
Postgraduate Studies (United Kingdom)
University of Dundee, Scotland
LLM in Law (2011)
MBA in Oil and Gas Management (2012)
These degrees reflect her interest in Nigeria’s industrial and energy sectors, particularly her later advocacy for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill.
Natasha’s academic path blends legal expertise, business acumen, and leadership training, all of which have shaped her role as a reformist politician and social entrepreneur.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan Religion
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is a Muslim, though her religious journey reflects a blend of cultural and spiritual influences.
Religious Background
Born into a Christian household, Natasha was raised by a Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenk, and a Nigerian father, Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, who was Muslim.
Over time, she converted to Islam, embracing her father’s faith and aligning more closely with her paternal Ebira heritage in Kogi State.
Her Islamic identity is reflected in her public life, including her traditional title of Ohi’Ogu of Ebiraland, a role that carries both cultural and spiritual significance.
Personal Practice
While Natasha does not frequently speak about her religion in the media, she is known to observe Islamic customs and values, particularly in her community engagements and family life.
Her public demeanor—marked by modesty, discipline, and service—echoes the core tenets of Islam, though she maintains a progressive and inclusive worldview shaped by her multicultural upbringing.
Her religious identity is just one thread in a rich tapestry of cultural, political, and personal dimensions that define her public life.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan Net Worth
As of 2025, Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan has an estimated net worth of approximately $2 to $3 million USD, based on publicly available reports. Her wealth reflects a blend of professional success, political influence, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Sources of Income
Legal Career: Natasha worked as a legal counsel at Brass LNG from 2007 to 2010, a role that provided her with early financial stability and industry experience.
Entrepreneurship: She founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) in 2015, which focuses on infrastructure and social development projects—likely contributing to her income through consulting and project management.
Political Career: As a Senator representing Kogi Central, she earns a salary and allowances consistent with Nigerian legislative compensation. While exact figures are not disclosed, Nigerian senators are among the highest-paid lawmakers in Africa.
Public Speaking & Advocacy: Natasha is a sought-after speaker on issues like industrial revival, women’s empowerment, and transparency. These engagements may include honoraria and sponsorships.
Investments & Assets: Though not publicly detailed, she is believed to have investments in real estate and private ventures, particularly in Kogi and Abuja.
Lifestyle & Public Image
Despite her wealth, Natasha maintains a relatively modest public lifestyle, often emphasizing service, community development, and cultural pride over opulence. Her marriage to Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, also connects her to a family of considerable traditional and economic influence.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan Husband
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is married to Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, a prominent figure from Delta State, Nigeria. Their union blends political influence with traditional prestige, making them one of Nigeria’s most notable power couples.
Who Is Emmanuel Uduaghan?
Title: Alema of Warri Kingdom — a revered traditional title in the Itsekiri ethnic group, signifying leadership and cultural authority.
Background: He hails from a distinguished lineage in Warri, Delta State, and is known for his involvement in business, philanthropy, and traditional leadership.
Public Persona: Though not as politically visible as Natasha, Chief Uduaghan is respected in elite circles and has been seen supporting his wife at major public events, including her swearing-in as senator.
Marriage & Family Life
Wedding Date: March 5, 2022
Ceremony: Held in Ihima, Kogi State, Natasha’s hometown, the wedding was a grand affair attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
YouChildren: The couple shares one child together, and Natasha has three children from a previous relationship, making them a blended family of six
Public Support & Advocacy
Chief Uduaghan has publicly defended Natasha in political matters. In one instance, he urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to treat his wife with respect during a tense political exchange.
He is often seen accompanying her at official functions, symbolizing a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
Their marriage represents a fusion of northern and southern Nigerian cultures, and their public life reflects a balance of tradition, modernity, and political ambition.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti Uduaghan Children
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan is a proud mother of four children, and her family life reflects a blend of personal resilience, cultural pride, and maternal devotion.
Children Overview
First Child: Natasha had her first son, Daniel, at the age of 19 during her early marriage. He has occasionally been mentioned in interviews and public appearances, especially during her political campaigns.
Two Additional Children: She has two more children from a previous relationship, though their names and personal details are kept private to protect their privacy.
Youngest Child: Natasha shares her fourth child with her current husband, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri. This child was born after their marriage in March 2022.
Family Dynamics
Natasha is known to be a hands-on mother, balancing her demanding political and advocacy work with her role as a parent. She often speaks about the importance of raising children with strong values, cultural awareness, and a sense of purpose. Despite her public life, she has made a conscious effort to shield her children from media scrutiny, allowing them to grow up with a sense of normalcy.
Her blended family—spanning different relationships and cultural backgrounds—mirrors her own multicultural heritage and progressive worldview.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan Social Media Followers
As of 2025, Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains a growing and influential presence on social media, though she uses it more for advocacy and public engagement than for personal promotion.
Followers: Estimated in the hundreds of thousands, though exact figures fluctuate
Content: She shares updates on her senatorial work, community outreach, women’s empowerment initiatives, and cultural events.
Tone: Professional, inspirational, and community-focused, often highlighting her Ebira heritage and legislative milestones.
Followers: Also in the hundreds of thousands, with a strong following among constituents in Kogi State and across Nigeria
Use: A platform for sharing speeches, press releases, and live videos from political events and town hall meetings.
Twitter (now X)
Followers: Tens of thousands
Engagement: She uses it to comment on national issues, respond to constituents, and amplify causes related to transparency, industrial development, and women’s rights.
Public Persona
Natasha’s social media presence reflects her reformist identity—less about viral trends and more about policy, progress, and people. She’s known for engaging respectfully with critics and supporters alike, and her platforms serve as a digital extension of her advocacy.
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti Uduaghan Achievement
Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan has built a legacy of bold leadership, fearless advocacy, and groundbreaking accomplishments across law, politics, and social enterprise. Here’s a full breakdown of her most notable achievements:
1. Trailblazing Political Career
In 2023, she became the first female senator from Kogi State, representing Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
She previously ran for Governor of Kogi State in 2019 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—a rare feat for a woman in Nigerian politics.
In September 2023, she was officially declared the winner of the senatorial election by the election petition tribunal in Lokoja, after a legal battle over electoral irregularities.
2. Ajaokuta Steel Mill Advocacy
Natasha gained national prominence in 2018 when she presented a detailed investigative report to the National Assembly exposing corruption and mismanagement in the Ajaokuta Steel Mill project.
Her report sparked national debate and renewed calls for industrial revival, earning her both praise and political pushback.
3. Legal & Academic Excellence
Holds an LLB from the University of Abuja, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005, and earned both an LLM in Law and an MBA in Oil & Gas Management from the University of Dundee, Scotland.
Worked as legal counsel at Brass LNG from 2007 to 2010, gaining experience in Nigeria’s energy sector.
4. Social Entrepreneurship
Founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP) in 2015, focusing on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and social innovation.
Through BHIIP, she has supported community projects and advocated for inclusive economic growth.
5. Recognition & Awards
Received the African Women Leadership Award from Jewel Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia.
Honored with a Presidential Award by the Nigerian Society of Engineers in 2017 for her work on industrial transparency and reform.
6. Cultural & Traditional Honors
Holds the title of Ohi’Ogu of Ebiraland, a traditional honor that reflects her standing in her home community and her commitment to cultural preservation.
7. Public Advocacy & Resilience
Known for her outspoken stance on transparency, women’s rights, and good governance.
Despite facing political opposition—including recent legal challenges over defamation allegations—she continues to be a symbol of courage and reform in Nigerian politics.
Natasha’s achievements are not just milestones—they’re markers of a woman who’s reshaping what leadership looks like in Nigeria.
