Otobong Nsekpong
Vision is distinctive and unique. No two persons share the same vision though it may be similar.
It is the vision of a man that propels his steps in life as every step is taken towards the realization of the vision.
Rt.Hon Unyime Idem is a man propelled by a great vision. A vision that seeks to enthrone excellence in every of his life’s endeavour.
It is this vision of excellence that made him to leave an indelible mark in the private sector. He is the face behind the renowned brand, Idems Ultimate, which dominates and created jobs for numerous young job seekers in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
Today, Rt. Hon Unyime Idem is in the Federal House of Representatives representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.
He was overwhelmingly elected in 2019 on the platform of PDP and was re-elected in 2023 for a second term. From his first day as a federal lawmaker, he has not only attracted infrastructural development but has engaged tirelessly in human development including carrying out sustainable empowerment to constituents.
As a federal lawmaker, he has sustained his vision for a greater Akwa Ibom State as a whole. This vision has been the motivation behind the desire to build capacity for the next generation.
As at today, the vision to train 100 Akwa Ibom youths in various professions overseas is on course. So far, more than 30 young professionals have been sent to China, Rwanda and United Kingdom.
Repeatedly, Rt. Hon Unyime Idem has said that the level he has attained in life is as a result of the training and exposure he gathered in the past across the countries of the world.
“What is helping me today to do what I’m able to do and achieve is the level of training and exposure I’ve garnered over the years across the globe, and it is my desire that you do better than me” Idem had stated while sending forth the 6th batch of beneficiaries.
Beyond overseas training and exposure, Rt.Hon Unyime Idem has facilitated employment opportunities for several Akwa Ibom people in federal government Ministries, Department and Agencies.
What makes this vision commendable is the vision is his desire for a productive Akwa Ibom next generation.
According to him, “It is my firm believe that in the next 10 to 15 years, we will have Akwa Ibomites as directors, permanent secretaries and others in top management positions in the federal government. This way, we’ll be sure to attract federal presence, projects and programmes to Akwa Ibom state and lessen the burden on the state government.”
“We will also be able to close the quota gap where only few Akwa Ibomites are in managerial positions in federal MDAs,” Idem declared while presenting a appointment letters to three beneficiaries of job opportunities into Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina state.
The beneficiaries are;
*Ibanga, Raymond Udeme*
*Udom, Nsidibe Robinson*
*Nelson, Mkpoikanke Michael.
This is a pan Akwa Ibom vision set to change the narrative about Akwa Ibom people. The lack of Akwa Ibom people in positions of authority in federal MDAs is as a result of the absence of vision by past leaders of the state.
As Reps Idem continue to facilitate more opportunities for Akwa Ibom people, gone will be days of igonomous story of our people as house helps or junior staff in government ministries, departments and agencies.
This is a laudable vision for sustainable development. A vision that is highly commendable and recommendable especially as we have 12 other members in the National Assembly and 26 members in the state House of Assembly.
For now, Reps. Idem has justified his mandate as representative of the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency. He may emerge the first Nigerian lawmaker to spend five to six terms as a legislator.
