JOINT PRESS RELEASE

ASSOCIATION OF PROPRIETORS OF PRIVATE MEDIA ESTABLISHMENT OF NIGERIA (APPMEN) AND CITIZEN REPORT PLATFORM COMMEND SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S FREE WIFI INITIATIVE FOR KOGI CENTRAL

Abuja, April 28, 2026 — The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) and Citizen Report—a citizen journalism platform committed to advancing media development, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and grassroots connectivity—hereby commend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her announcement to provide free Wi-Fi access across strategic locations in Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Visionary Step Toward Digital Inclusion
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s pledge, shared on her official Facebook page on April 27, 2026 following stakeholder engagement in Idah LGA of Kogi’s Eastern District, represents a bold move to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide. Inspired by discussions with PDP leadership and decampee Idris HK, the initiative transforms community ideas into actionable development.
“Free WiFi for Kogi Central too,” the senator declared, adopting the Eastern District’s proposal to empower content creators. Her plan to engage internet providers, identify strategic locations, and commence installations “soon” demonstrates practical commitment.
Empowering Youth, Communities, and Democratic Participation
The initiative addresses critical gaps in Kogi Central:
Youth Opportunities: Enables content creation, online learning, remote freelancing
Economic Growth: Opens e-commerce, digital entrepreneurship for local businesses
Education Access: Provides research tools, global courses for students
Social Connectivity: Links families, amplifies community voices
Election Monitoring: Empowers citizens for real-time election monitoring during Nigeria’s crucial 2027 general elections
Free Wi-Fi access will be particularly transformative as Nigeria approaches its 2027 general elections. Strategic hotspots will enable citizens to report polling unit activities, transmit results live, and combat electoral malpractice through citizen journalism—crucial for transparent democracy in Kogi Central.
“I stood there loving the idea as a necessity to facilitating job creation for our youths,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan noted. This digital infrastructure investment aligns perfectly with media development goals and democratic accountability.
Promoting Statewide Collaboration
We applaud her emphasis on district collaboration: “Cheers to smart collaboration not unhealthy competition amongst the Central, Eastern and Western districts of Kogi State.” This model fosters unity over rivalry, setting a national precedent.
APPMEN, representing private media proprietors, welcomes enhanced connectivity for digital media growth. Citizen Report sees expanded platforms for citizen journalism, community storytelling, and election monitoring.
Our Commitment and Call to Action
APPMEN and Citizen Report:
Support rapid implementation of the announced timeline
Invite telecom partnerships for public-private collaboration
Encourage community input on optimal locations, particularly near polling units
Pledge media coverage to track progress, share success stories, and monitor 2027 election preparedness
Forward-Thinking Leadership
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative exemplifies responsive, inclusive leadership. “Cheers to forward thinking leadership. Cheers to our great party… The PDP,” she concluded. We echo this sentiment.
In Nigeria’s connectivity-challenged regions, her commitment brings Kogi Central into the digital age—and strengthens democratic participation ahead of 2027.
Signed:
For Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishments in Nigeria (APPMEN)
Chief Precious Enebuse
National Coordinator
Email: appmen.ng@gmail.com | +234 803 6443430
For Citizen Report Platform
Princess Gandy
Executive Director
info@citizenreport.ng | +234 9113988266
ENDS