Israel Umoh
As part of his empowerment scheme, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, has splashed items worth multi-millions of Naira on his 2,500 constituents.
Before now, the two-term House of Representatives member had put smiles on the faces of 2,500 constituents, bringing the total number to 5,000.
At his fourth Constituency briefing/empowerment scheme in Ukanafun on Wednesday, Idem gave 13 cars, 44 motorcycles, 129 generators, 89 ICT Support, business grants, scholarships, bursary awards and industrial machines, among others to different recipients from Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas.
He attributed his performance in the National Assembly to the inspiration he got from the aftermath of crisis that rocked the two local government areas and their neighbouring communities coupled with attendant hardships and sufferings.
‘‘You would recall that between 2016 and 2018, many communities in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam and part of Etim Ekpo were ravaged by criminal activities and vicious youth restiveness. It was a dark era, marked by social unrest, violent crimes of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cold-blooded murder of innocent people. Consequently, many citizens of the affected communities abandoned their homes and means of livelihood and fled to nearby towns for safety.
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‘‘But amidst the prevailing chaos and uncertainty, I kindled a glimmer of hope. It was in those dark moments that I received inspiration and made a solemn promise to myself and the people of this constituency to the effect that if I am given the opportunity to represent them in the House of Representatives, I would dedicate myself to empowering our youths, by providing them with the skills and capacity to overcome poverty, hence be positioned to shun the temptation of indulging in criminal activities. Today, I stand before you, no longer as a candidate but as a man who has translated his vision into reality.’’
According to him, ‘‘Shortly after my victory in the 2019 elections, I ceaselessly engaged with community leaders, stakeholders, youth organizations, and experts whom I charged to come up with a comprehensive idea- a kind of roadmap-on in to actualize my dream of empowering 5,000 youths in our constituency through skill acquisition and capacity development.
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‘‘To implement the said road map, the distribution of more than 10,000 forms to youths in the federal constituency was launched by the immediate past deputy governor of our State, HE Obong Moses Ekpo, OFR, in 2020. After a rigorous screening process by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and SMEDAN, 5000 youths were selected as beneficiaries of the scheme.
Today, as I said, moments ago, we will be witnessing the empowerment of the remaining 2,500 beneficiaries of the scheme (the first 1000 and 1,500 beneficiaries having been empowered in 2020 and 2021 respectively and equipped with the necessary tools to function in their various fields.’’
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Hear him too, ‘‘That initiative, which is now a reality, will, as a beacon of hope, provide our young people with the resources they need to build a brighter future for themselves. The Vocational Training, Entrepreneurship Programmes, and Mentorship Schemes that they have passed through have equipped them with practical skills that will open doors to sustainable employment, economic independence, and financial freedom for them
‘‘I firmly believe that poverty should never be an excuse for criminal activities. By addressing the root causes of youth’s restiveness, which includes a lack of opportunities and hopelessness, we can build a society where our young people will grow into productive and law-abiding citizens. In doing so, we can break the cycle of poverty and pave the way for a prosperous future.’’
Idem attributed the ‘‘main reason for my steadfast dedication to empowering our constituents instead of prioritizing my personal needs, in the past four years as your representative, is based on the depth of my vision as a leader.
‘‘Thus, my vow to empower 5000 youths in my constituency was not just a political slogan but a sincere commitment to bring about real change in the lives of the younger generation. It was a promise that resonated deeply within me, and I knew that fulfilling it would require more than mere words or hollow gestures. I had to sacrifice personal comfort to achieve it.’’
‘‘This included the commitment of all my salaries and allowances as a House of Representatives member towards funding this initiative. I firmly believe that the role of a representative goes beyond personal gain. It is a sacred duty to serve and uplift the people who have placed their hope in me.’’
The Chairman, Public Procurement Committee in the House stated ‘‘In my capacity as a legislator, I have ardently championed your causes and aspirations through the sponsorship of important bills and motions in the hallowed chambers of the House.
‘‘During the period in review, I have diligently endeavoured to address the pressing issues plaguing our constituency and the country as a whole. I have made copious contributions to several bills and Resolutions that have engendered tangible improvements in the lives of our constituents, some of which have been listed in today’s programme of event booklet.
‘‘Moreover, my dedicated focus on infrastructure development has yielded tangible results since you elected me into the House of Representatives. Recognizing the pivotal role that robust infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of every society, I have attracted numerous projects to our federal constituency through my strategic engagement of federal MDAs. Such effort has translated into the construction of several kilometres of roads and bridges in different communities within the constituency.
‘‘I have also facilitated the provision of potable water, solar street lighting, and the augmentation of public facilities in some state government institutions. These are the construction of classroom blocks in more than 10 primary/secondary schools, the construction of a lecture theater at Akwa Ibom State University, the establishment of E-Learning centers in selected secondary schools, the building and equipping of skill acquisition centers and several other projects too numerous to be captured on this address but have been listed in today’s programme event booklet.
These transformative projects have not only bolstered connectivity and transportation but have also engendered employment opportunities, invigorated economic activities within our constituency, and created conducive learning environment for our students and pupils.
Securing gainful employment for our young people in key government agencies and Ministries has been one of my priorities. I am aware of the scourge of youth unemployment and, hence, have taken active steps to address the problem. Through deliberate engagements, I have effectively facilitated the employment of several youths into various positions within the state and federal MDAs.’’
Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi commended the National legislator for his effective representation in the house together with sponsorship of bills and motions in the house.
Dr. Eyakenyi who represented Governor Umo Eno also lauded Idem for his continued empowerment of constituents through training and doling out life-touching projects, noting that these are in tune with the ARISE agenda of the present state government.
Governor Eno who called on the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam legislator to continue to render more selfless services to the people called on other National Assemblymen to emulate Idem for his sterling performances in the house and to his constituency.
Earlier, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, who was Chairman of the occasion, had hailed the introduction of democracy to the country that has drawn civilian rule to the grassroots.
Ibokessien who represented Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District particularly congratulated Idem for being the highest sponsor of bills and motions in the House, and urged his constituents to give him the needed support to excel the more.
At the colourful ceremony spiced with cultural plays especially ‘Enin’ play, Sonny Udom, one-time member in the House of Representatives; Rt. Hon. Eno Akpan, Ukanafun Political Leader and ex-Member of House of Representatives; Clement Jimbo, member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives spoke glowingly about Idem.
Aniekan Akpan, State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Idiong, a member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency; Emem Udom representing Ukanafun State Constituency spoke too while Hon. Saturday Akpan, a one-time member who represented Ukanafun State Constituency in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly moved a vote of thanks.
