Akakan Umoh
Four persons from Akwa Ibom State have been sent abroad on scholarships to study for their Master’s degree in different disciplines.
The beneficiaries, sponsored on scholarships by Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, form part of the third batch of Akwa Ibom persons sent for their Master’s and PhD programmes in the United Kingdom.
The beneficiaries are Blessing Emediong Godwin – University of Exeter, United Kingdom (MSc Public Health); Edidiong Michael – University of Manchester, United Kingdom (MSc Public Health), Idongesit Godswill Wilson – University of Exeter, United Kingdom (MSc Accounting and Finance) and Williams Nsikan Idung – Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom (MSC Oil and Gas Engineering).
Williams is a graduate of Geology from Akwa Ibom State University as Dr. Idem stated ‘‘This is in fulfilment of my promise to train hundreds of Akwa Ibomites abroad for self-sufficiency, value addition and the overall development of the state.’’
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In addition, the Chairman House Committee on Public Procurement has landed jobs for three other Akwa Ibom persons in top international agency and Federal Government institution.
The gesture is a fulfilment of his target to facilitate the employment of 1,000 Akwa Ibom persons into strategic Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), an initiative I instituted in 2024.
The beneficiaries for the top international agency are Uboho Sunday Amos and Samuel Ebong Sylvester, while Kufre Benedict Akpan is offered employment with a top Federal Government institution.
Addressing the beneficiaries in Abuja, Idem said the beneficiaries would enjoy all-expenses-paid Master’s degree programmes in addition to financial support, and urged them to be good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
‘‘Everything you need to be comfortable in the United Kingdom has been provided. Your tuition fees, accommodation, feeding, return airfare to and from the United Kingdom and other sundry expenses have been taken care of.
‘‘I, therefore, expect you to study diligently and graduate as the very best, to make me proud, make Akwa Ibom State proud and, ultimately, make Nigeria proud as ambassadors of the state and country in the United Kingdom.
‘‘The programme allows you to take up part-time jobs at their convenience, urging them to make good use of the opportunity,’’ he told them.
As part of our efforts to support the development of our state, the National Assemblyman urged the beneficiaries to see the opportunity as a platform to acquire the knowledge, skills and global exposure needed for their self-development and to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Akwa Ibom.
He reminded them that they would return home with the knowledge and experience gained abroad and, in turn, have the responsibility to train and inspire others.
Responding, the beneficiaries hailed him for giving them the opportunity to study abroad, describing the scholarship as life-changing, and promised to make me, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria proud.
Earlier, Idem had reminded Williams that the investment being made in him comes with a responsibility: he must return home and become a multiplier by training, mentoring and empowering others.
‘‘For us, true development is not only about infrastructure; it is also about investing in people and giving our young people the opportunity to compete and succeed anywhere in the world.’’
In his response, Williams expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, describing the scholarship as life-changing, and pledged to make the most of the programme and return as a better-equipped professional, promising to make me, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria proud.
Presenting the beneficiaries with letters of employment, Idem congratulated them on their new appointment, charging them to be a good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State while exhibiting the virtues of passion, commitment, sincerity and excellence in the discharge of his responsibilities.
He also urged them to put God first in all they do, using his own journey as an example of what can be achieved through God’s grace.
‘‘It is my firm belief that, in the next 10 to 15 years, we will have Akwa Ibomites serving as Directors, Permanent Secretaries and occupying other top management positions across the Federal Government.
‘‘In this way, we will be better positioned to attract more federal presence, including projects and programmes, to Akwa Ibom State and complement the efforts of the State Government.
‘‘We will also be able to bridge the representation gap, particularly the limited number of Akwa Ibomites currently occupying managerial positions in federal MDAs.
Responding, the beneficiaries commended him for facilitating their employment, and vowed to make him and Akwa Ibom proud through their conduct and performance in their new places of work.
Similarly, Idem also presented employment letter to Kufre Akpan , saying ‘‘It is my firm belief that, in the next 10 to 15 years, we will have Akwa Ibomites serving as directors, permanent secretaries and occupying other top management positions across the Federal Government.
‘‘In this way, we will be better positioned to attract more federal presence, including projects and programmes, to Akwa Ibom State and complement the efforts of the state government.
‘‘We will also be able to bridge the representation gap, particularly the limited number of Akwa Ibomites currently occupying managerial positions in federal MDAs.’’
Kufre Akpan, a beneficiary, thanked him for facilitating his employment, and vowed to make him and Akwa Ibom State proud through his conduct and performance in his new place of work.
Donation of Solar-Powered Poles to NUJ
In another development, Rep. Idem fulfilled his promise to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, with the delivery of solar-powered street lights for installation at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo.
The solar-powered street lights were delivered to the Union by Idem’s Special Assistant on General Duties, Mr. Ediong Charles, who said the gesture was in fulfilment of a commitment made by the federal lawmaker to the NUJ about two months ago.
Charles said the delivery demonstrated Idem’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would improve the working environment and welfare of journalists in the state.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Union, the Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, expressed appreciation to Rep. Idem for fulfilling his promise, saying the federal lawmaker has helped him fulfil a campaign vow he made to members of the Union during the 2025 electioneering, to light up the press centre if elected.
John said the installation of the solar-powered street lights would significantly improve security and visibility around the Press Centre, particularly at night, making the facility more accessible and conducive for professional activities after working hours.
The NUJ Chairman noted that adequate lighting would also enhance the safety of journalists, media workers and visitors who use the facility after working hours, while improving the overall ambience of the Press Centre.
He described the gesture as a demonstration of Idem’s responsiveness to the needs of the media community and assured the federal lawmaker of the continued support and cooperation of the Union.
John pledged that the union’s continued readiness to maintain a cordial relationship with Rep. Idem and support initiatives that promote the development of journalism and the welfare of media practitioners in Akwa Ibom.
