Akakan Umoh
The Pan African Awards Leadership & Accolades (PAALA), has bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award in Legislative Leadership and Digital Policy Innovation on Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem.
Dr. Idem, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives was conferred with the award in Abuja on Tuesday, although the event took place during the fifth edition of the PAALA 2026 Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.United States of America in August 2026.
Speaking at the occasion, the founder of PAALA and the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO), Ambassador (Dr.) Elisha Attai, said the award celebrates legacy, sacrifice and impact, as well as recognises leaders who have lifted others, capturing the essence of leadership: the responsibility to create opportunities, strengthen institutions and leave a positive and enduring impact on society.
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Dr. Attai noted specifically that the nomination for the Lifetime Achievement Award followed careful review of Idem’s contributions to legislative leadership, constituency development and human capital investment.
The award extols his achievements to include sponsorship of more than 30 bills and numerous motions, alongside interventions in rural electrification, road infrastructure, education, healthcare, ICT development and employment facilitation.
Dr. Attai equally applauded Idem’s human capital development initiatives, including scholarships, skills acquisition, ICT training, business grants and the ₦1 billion Family-Based Empowerment Programme for 1,000 beneficiaries.
Responding, Dr. Idem described the recognition as both humbling and inspiring, noting ‘‘I receive it as an encouragement to remain committed to purposeful legislation, innovative policymaking and the use of public service to improve lives.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement said he was encouraged to be counted among distinguished African leaders whose contributions span public service, energy, health, technology, media, trade, gender equality, law, creative arts and other critical sectors. Their achievements demonstrate the enormous capacity of Africans to lead, innovate and make meaningful contributions across continents.
According to him, ‘‘I am grateful to the organisers for this recognition and to my constituents, colleagues, supporters and all those whose encouragement continues to inspire my service.
He expressed his commitment to advancing legislative excellence, promoting digital policy innovation and delivering meaningful development to the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Nigeria at large.
PAALA is a platform that celebrates outstanding Africans and people of African descent whose vision, leadership and achievements continue to shape communities across the world.
From its early editions in Atlanta, Georgia, to Houston, Texas, and now Washington, D.C., the platform has grown into a significant celebration of African excellence, innovation and impact.
