OFONIME UMANAH
Across the country, it is hard to find members of the House of Representatives who are religiously serving their constituents with all their heart and with all their might. They are very few. Maybe, a little here, a little there. Findings show that there one or two in Cross River State, among them, Dr Alex Egbona, who represents the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency.
Bayelsa State also has one of such- Obuku Abonsizibe Oforji, from the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency. In Akwa Ibom, Dr Unyime Idem also stands out. He represents the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency. Legislators like these ones are rare to find.
Idem is not only active on the floor of the House of Representatives, he is equally unique in his performance outside the chambers. He has been in the House of Reps for about seven years, but what he has been able to achieve has made nonsense of what others before him did, since 1999. His colleagues in the National Assembly know this. The vice president of Nigeria, Senator Kassim Shettima is a witness. The Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno knows this as a fact. The senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, knows this too.
A few months ago, before the APC primaries, when many others had emerged in search of the party’s ticket for Idem’s seat, it was strange to see supporters of his opponents admit publicly, that Idem was a performer. At that time, the only thing they were concerned about was the zoning question. They admitted that the federal constituency had not seen anyone like Idem since the beginning of this current dispensation. They admitted that the man was a performer extraordinaire. They admitted all of that. But they insisted that since nobody had occupied that seat for more than two terms, Idem should not be the first.
But the party decided that it was better to stay with a performer than bend to the zoning sentiments. That is how far Idem has been acknowledged as a legislator to reckon with.
Yet, he does not seem to be tired, even though he has become very sure that his third term election is as certain as the celebration of Christmas on December 25. In the last few days, Idem has continued to break new grounds in service delivery and phenomenal performance.
He is either building new classrooms blocks in primary and secondary schools or sending more people to China for training on various trades, or facilitating the employment of constituents in federal establishments, or empowering youths of the constituency through skills acquisition training.
Last week, with support from the Nigeria Content Development And Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Idem gathered some 100 youths of the constituency for training on solar energy installation and maintenance, in apparent appreciation of current economic realities.
The youths are camped at the prestigious EEMJM Hotel in Uyo, where experts are taking them on a journey that will turn them to professionals in the art of solar energy architecture. They will be there for a month, to enable them learn the theoretical and practical rudiments. Then they will be equipped with the tools and cash to enable them begin a new life.
This latest feat has already attracted commendations from some people in the constituency, including students. President of the Federation of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Students Worldwide, Ndiana Emmanson, in a commendation letter to Idem described the gesture as a timely initiative and a significant investment in the future of the youths.
“By equipping participants with practical and globally relevant skills, the programme promotes self-reliance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment opportunities while preparing beneficiaries to thrive in today’s technology driven and renewable energy economy. Your unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development continues to inspire hope and transform lives across Ukanafun and Oruk Anam. Through this and many other impactful interventions, you have demonstrated purposeful leadership and a genuine dedication to securing a brighter future for our people,” the president, he said.
Idem himself, while declaring the training open, had said that his “commitment is strengthened by my belief that true empowerment is not about giving temporary relief; it is about equipping our people with skills that will create lasting opportunities, financial independence and a better future.
“That is why I chose solar power installation, a globally relevant and highly sought-after skill in today’s rapidly growing renewable energy industry. With more homes, offices and businesses embracing solar energy, the demand for skilled installers continues to rise. Beyond empowering these 100 beneficiaries, this programme will also create a pool of qualified solar technicians in Akwa Ibom State to support the state’s growing investments in renewable energy in the years ahead.
“To enable the participants concentrate fully on learning, I have fully sponsored the programme, including their accommodation and feeding (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the entire one-month duration. No participant will have to worry about where to sleep or what to eat while acquiring this life-changing skill. In addition, successful trainees will receive stipends for a period of three months after the training to support their transition into the workforce.
“At the end of the training, participants who successfully pass the final examination will be professionally certified by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), qualifying them to practice as certified solar power installation and maintenance technicians.
“Every successful participant will also receive professional toolboxes, starter packs and cash grants to enable them establish themselves immediately, begin practicing their trade and earn a sustainable income with their newly acquired skills.
“My vision remains clear: to continue creating opportunities, reducing unemployment, fighting poverty and building a constituency where our young people are empowered with the knowledge and skills to succeed.”
