By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief
Kogi State born rights activist and strong campaigner for the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Barr.Natasha Akpoti, has declared her intention to run for the Kogi Central Senatorial District seat, come 2019.

The social entrepreneur and founder, Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), said she was out to halt the degeneration of her people who, she said, have suffered decades of misrule and neglect.

Her media aide, Mary Amodu, in a statement, said that Natasha had commenced consultations with traditional rulers and leaders of though in the Senatorial District with a view to securing their support for her ambition.

She was quoted as telling traditional rulers and supporters in Okehi, her hometown, that the decision to seek election into the senate was in response to the call of her people.

“I have come because of thunderous call to serve humanity, which was so loud that going against it will be injustice. Without mincing words, it’s a call to serve Ebiraland, to represent Kogi Central Senatorial District in 2019.

“When my father died 20years ago, circumstances made my family and I to leave but my heart is always here. When I came back and saw my community, I discovered our community has deteriorated and I knew something must be done.

“In these 20 years, I had gone through a lot and I have crossed a lot of oceans. In the last few years when I started the struggle to revive Ajoakuta, I knew God was preparing me for something, and your call was heard.

“In all these struggle, I know you prayers are with me and I have come here to seek for prayers from our fathers and you the good people. My love for the development of Ajaokuta is very strong and I am going to seek the blessing of our fathers. I need strong wing,” she was quoted as saying.

The Ohi of Ihima, HRH Alhaji Abdulraheem Ogido, one of the traditional rulers visited by Barr. Natasha assured her that Ebiraland support her bid to win the Senate seat.

He said, Natasha would represent Ebiraland well, adding that her popularity was not because she was from Ebiraland but because of what she was fighting for, advising the mammoth crowd to take a lesson from her lifestyle.

Agnes Onimisi Dele, an APC Women Leader in Okehi also assured that the womenfolk would queue behind Barr. Natasha to make her dream come true.

“She’s my sister and I am very happy for what she stands for. She’s a woman like us and I will support her ambition with everything I have. This is a historical event for a woman to come out boldly to aspire for senate in Ebiraland.

“She has always stood for women and children, as well as, and the resuscitation of Ajaokuta. I will use my platform to ensure her victory,” the female politician was quoted as saying.