By Our Reporter
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has hosted four serving European ambassadors to Nigeria in Kogi Central, showcasing the area’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and investment opportunities during a three-day visit from May 16 to 18, 2026.
The ambassadors, from Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Spain, visited several historical and cultural sites in Kogi State, including Mount Patti in Lokoja, the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, and traditional craft communities in Obeiba.
In a report on the visit, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, said the initiative was aimed at exposing the region’s economic and cultural potential to the international community and encouraging partnerships capable of delivering lasting social and economic benefits.
The visit began at Lord Lugard’s Rest House on Mount Patti, Lokoja, before the delegation experienced the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers through a boat trip facilitated by the National Inland Waterways Authority.
The senator disclosed that the delegation had also hoped to visit the Ajaokuta Steel Company, but approval to access the facility was not granted despite a written request to the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu.
According to her, the ambassadors could only view the complex from outside its gates.
Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as disappointing, reiterating that the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company remained crucial to the industrial development aspirations of the people.
She pledged to continue advocating for the revival of the steel complex, which has long been regarded as a strategic asset for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
Ambassadors Experience Ebira Culture
A major highlight of the visit was the delegation’s excursion to Obeiba, where the ambassadors hiked the historic Obeiba Hill and enjoyed a traditional breakfast featuring akara, apapa and akamu, served in handmade wooden bowls.
The visitors also observed local artisans producing shea butter and palm kernel oil using traditional techniques, alongside demonstrations of black soap making, pottery and the weaving of the renowned Ebira cloth.
A masquerade performance further introduced the delegation to the cultural traditions of the Ebira people.
The senator said the warm reception from residents and the ambassadors’ enthusiasm for the experience underscored the importance of cultural tourism in promoting the region to international audiences.
According to her, the visitors expressed interest in returning for a longer stay, while other ambassadors had subsequently indicated their willingness to participate in a future visit.
Investment, Humanitarian Partnerships in Focus
Akpoti-Uduaghan said discussions during the visit also explored potential investment and humanitarian opportunities in Kogi Central.
She noted, however, that the conversations represented only the beginning of efforts to establish meaningful international relationships that could translate into tangible benefits for local communities.
The senator stressed that exposing potential investors to the region’s human resources, entrepreneurial activities, cultural heritage and economic strengths was essential to attracting investment.
She thanked residents and community members who participated in hosting the delegation, saying their hospitality made her proud to represent Kogi Central and the Ebira nation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also expressed appreciation to the four ambassadors — Pieter Leenknegt of Belgium, Jens Ole Bach Hansen of Denmark, Roberto Mengoni of Italy and Félix Costales Artieda of Spain — for accepting the invitation and engaging with the region.
She expressed optimism that the visit would help strengthen Kogi Central’s international visibility and lay the groundwork for future collaborations in tourism, investment and humanitarian development.
