Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has stepped up efforts to attract foreign investment to Kogi State, hosting four European ambassadors on a tour showcasing the state’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions and indigenous industries.
The delegation, comprising ambassadors from Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Spain, explored historical landmarks, interacted with local artisans and experienced the traditions and hospitality of the Ebira people.
The visit was aimed at attracting investment and humanitarian partnerships to create jobs, strengthen local enterprises and improve livelihoods in Kogi Central.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the senator’s media aide, Mike Idoko.
According to the statement, the tour began with visits to Lord Lugard’s Rest House on Mount Patti in Lokoja and the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers before the diplomats proceeded to Kogi Central for cultural activities and engagements with local communities.
Italy’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, described the confluence as a symbol of national unity, expressing optimism about potential partnerships.
“Kogi is very rich, and we look forward to partnership,” Mengoni said, thanking Akpoti-Uduaghan for facilitating the visit.
Belgium’s Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, praised the experience, particularly the hiking expedition around the historic hills of Ihima, which offered the visitors an opportunity to appreciate the area’s landscape, culture and cuisine.
At Obeiba Hill, the diplomats sampled traditional delicacies, including akara, apapa and akamu. They also observed local production processes such as shea butter and palm kernel oil extraction, black soap making, pottery and traditional Ebira cloth weaving.
A masquerade performance further showcased the community’s cultural identity and artistic heritage.
Denmark’s Ambassador, Jens Hansen, commended the skills of local artisans, particularly women engaged in pottery, traditional clothing and other indigenous crafts.
He said the locally made products demonstrated the artisans’ creativity and determination, noting that their work held potential for business expansion and access to wider markets.
Addressing the delegation, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the tour was designed to demonstrate that Kogi Central’s economic potential extended beyond tourism to include indigenous industries, skilled workers and entrepreneurial communities.
She expressed hope that the engagement would open new opportunities for international partnerships, investment and sustainable economic development in the area.
