By John Umeh
Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has officially flagged off the Smart Market Initiative in Kogi State, ushering in a new era of innovation, digitization, and economic empowerment for local traders, artisans, and market women. The initiative, which was launched amid fanfare and widespread community excitement, is designed to modernize traditional markets by integrating digital tools, smart infrastructure, and financial literacy programs.
The launch ceremony, held in the heart of Okene, drew large crowds including market traders, youth groups, traditional rulers, government officials, and representatives from fintech and development agencies. Senator Natasha, known for her grassroots-driven approach to governance, described the project as “a revolution in the way we do business, targeted at empowering local economies and making our markets future-ready.”
Bridging Technology and Tradition
The Smart Market Initiative includes a suite of innovations aimed at modernizing the traditional market system. Among its key features are:
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Digitally registered traders for enhanced identification and tracking
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Cashless payment systems through mobile money and POS terminals
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Solar-powered stalls and lighting for sustainable energy use
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Waste management systems to improve hygiene and sanitation
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Free Wi-Fi access zones and market security surveillance
The initiative also provides free financial literacy training, digital skills workshops, and access to microcredit and business registration support for women and youth entrepreneurs.
Senator Natasha emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure: “This isn’t just about physical structures or technology. It’s about giving our people access — access to financial services, access to government programs, and access to opportunity.”
Traders and Community Leaders React
Local traders who attended the launch expressed gratitude for the forward-thinking initiative. Fatima Musa, a pepper seller at the Okene market, said: “We’ve never seen anything like this before. With these smart stalls and digital payments, we can sell more and worry less about theft or missing cash.”
Community leaders praised Senator Natasha for her commitment to inclusive development. The Ohi of Okene, speaking during the event, commended the senator for “bringing innovation to the grassroots” and “placing Kogi Central on the map of modern progress.”
Driving Inclusive Growth and Women Empowerment
A central focus of the Smart Market Initiative is economic inclusion, particularly for women who dominate the informal trading sector in Nigeria. Senator Natasha noted that over 70% of the first phase beneficiaries are women-owned businesses. She stressed the need for government to empower women with tools to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
The initiative also aligns with broader national goals on digital inclusion and financial access. With Nigeria’s push towards cashless transactions and MSME empowerment, projects like Natasha’s smart markets are seen as vital bridges between policy and practice.
The Next Big Thing?
According to her office, the first phase of the project will cover five major markets in Kogi Central Senatorial District, with plans to expand across the entire state. Talks are already ongoing with private partners and tech startups to scale the innovation to rural areas and integrate more services, including insurance, inventory management apps, and e-commerce onboarding.
Senator Natasha concluded the launch with a bold promise:
“We are building more than markets — we are building prosperity, dignity, and a legacy of transformation for our people. This is only the beginning.”
As Nigeria looks to the future of commerce and economic inclusion, the Smart Market Initiative in Kogi stands as a glowing example of visionary leadership in action.
