Suspended Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been honoured with The Bold Voice of Good Governance award at the 2025 ARISE Gala Night in honour of women making an impact.
The event, held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together prominent figures from across Nigeria.
Organised by Arise News, the gala celebrated 65 women as part of the grand finale of International Women’s Month, marking the 65th anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Among those honoured was Akpoti-Uduaghan, who delivered an emotional speech after receiving her award.
Clips from Ovation Instagram page captured her saying, “This morning I almost didn’t feel like attending this event, but my husband had to speak to me. He said, ‘Natasha, it doesn’t matter what the media has narrated of you, that doesn’t define you,’ and walking up here, the cheers I had from you all just reaffirmed one must find courage to speak even in the most difficult of times,” she said.
Singer Teni Akpata performed at the event, which was attended by notable figures, including Oby Ezekwesili, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Emmanuel Uduaghan, publisher Dele Momodu and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The award comes amid Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed after she accused him of sexual harassment, alleging the incident occurred in December 2023.
Her petition was dismissed on procedural grounds, and the Senate later suspended her for misconduct.
The move sparked public outrage, with many viewing it as an attempt to silence her. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit against Akpabio, demanding N100 billion in damages.
