Ruth NWORIE
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement in the 10th National Assembly, Dr Unyime Idem, has been honoured as the Best Member of the House of Representatives on Constituency Development at the Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA).
The award ceremony, organised by Juvenis TV, was held over the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Idem, who represents Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, emerged winner after polling the highest number of votes cast by Nigerians in a competitive selection process involving the 15 most-nominated candidates from the nine Niger Delta states.
According to the organisers, the honour was based on measurable impact, visibility of constituency projects, responsiveness to constituents’ needs, and sustained commitment to grassroots development.
They noted that his record stood out among nominees across the region, reflecting a strong connection with constituents and a results-driven approach to representation.
Over the years, Idem has implemented wide-ranging human capital development and empowerment programmes, benefiting youths, women and artisans across Ukanafun and Oruk Anam.
These include vocational, digital and entrepreneurship skills training programmes organised within and outside the state.
Beneficiaries of the programmes were also supported with startup grants, work tools and business equipment, enabling many to establish or expand small-scale enterprises.
The lawmaker has further facilitated economic empowerment schemes, including family business grants aimed at strengthening household income and promoting grassroots entrepreneurship.
In the area of infrastructure, Idem has executed and facilitated several constituency projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of classroom blocks, provision of ICT and e-learning facilities, installation of solar-powered boreholes and streetlights, as well as road and community infrastructure projects across different wards of the constituency.
Responding to the recognition, Idem dedicated the award to his constituents, describing it as a validation of collective effort.
He reaffirmed his commitment to deepening development initiatives, strengthening legislative oversight, and promoting transparent governance that delivers tangible benefits to communities.
A businessman, politician and philanthropist, Idem served in the 9th National Assembly, where he was Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications.
He currently chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement in the 10th Assembly.
The Niger Delta Advancement Awards celebrate individuals and institutions making significant contributions to peace, development and socio-economic progress in the region.
Idem was represented at the event by his Special Assistant on Protocol, Prince Nsenam George.
