The Ascendancy of Hon. Unyime Idem, Akwa Ibom's Beacon of Hope 2031
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In the bustling corridors of Nigeria's National Assembly, where ambition often clashes with altruism, one figure stands out as a paragon of purposeful leadership. Hon. Unyime Josiah Idem, the distinguished representative of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, has carved a legacy not through mere rhetoric but through relentless action. Born on January 14, 1975, in the heart of Akwa Ibom, Idem's story is one of divine orchestration—a man whose life trajectory embodies the grace of God, transforming humble beginnings into a symphony of empowerment, innovation, and unwavering dedication to his people. As a businessman, philanthropist, and politician, he has exploited every opportunity in the National Assembly to uplift his constituents, channeling resources into scholarships, bursaries, and transformative projects that echo the visionary spirit of his mentor, former Akwa Ibom Governor and current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Today, as whispers of his gubernatorial destiny grow louder, Idem emerges as the equipped steward ready to lead Akwa Ibom into a new era of prosperity.
Idem's early life was steeped in the values of hard work and faith, principles that would later define his public service. Hailing from Isun Atiat in Ukanafun Local Government Area, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Uyo, laying the foundation for a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Before venturing into politics, Idem founded Idems Ultimate Limited, a telecommunications powerhouse, and Stanford Microfinance Bank Limited, institutions that now employ over 500 Nigerians. His ventures extended into agriculture, real estate, and construction, demonstrating a keen acumen for wealth creation that benefits communities. This business savvy, coupled with a God-fearing ethos, propelled him into politics in 2000 as Assistant Secretary of Ward 8 in Ukanafun under the People's Democratic Party (PDP). By 2001, he served as Special Adviser on Special Projects in Ukanafun LGA, and in 2011, he played a pivotal role in the Godswill Akpabio/Nsima Ekere governorship campaign. Elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, Idem now chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement in the 10th Assembly, a position he has leveraged to advocate for transparency and efficiency in national governance.
In the National Assembly, Hon. Idem has been a force of legislative prowess, sponsoring an impressive 22 bills and 28 motions of urgent national importance by September 2024. These initiatives span critical areas such as technology acquisition, vocational education, and infrastructure development, reflecting his visionary approach to nation-building. But Idem's true genius lies in how he exploits these platforms for the direct benefit of his constituents. Recognizing the infrastructural deficits plaguing Ukanafun and Oruk Anam, he has facilitated the construction of vital roads, including motions to include the Odukpani-Itu Road in the 2025 budget estimates, a project essential for economic connectivity in the South-South region. His empowerment programs are legendary: donating four years of his salaries and allowances to uplift 5,000 constituents, commissioning ultra-modern palaces, and facilitating over 1,000 federal job placements for Akwa Ibom indigenes. In a landmark move, he pledged ₦1 billion in family-based business grants, distributing ₦1 million each to 1,000 beneficiaries across 160 villages, ensuring endorsements from community heads to foster inclusivity and accountability. These efforts have not only alleviated poverty but have ignited entrepreneurial spirits, turning constituents into self-reliant contributors to Akwa Ibom's economy.
Central to Idem's legacy is his unwavering commitment to education as a gateway to global opportunities. Understanding that knowledge is the ultimate equalizer, he has sponsored numerous scholarships and bursaries, enabling constituents to pursue further studies abroad. In recent years, he has sent multiple batches to China for specialized training in technology and business skills, with the ninth batch departing in April 2025. Closer to home, his initiatives include distributing UTME forms to candidates and providing bursaries for secondary and tertiary students from Ukanafun and Oruk Anam. A highlight is his fully funded Master's scholarships in the United Kingdom, where he recently sponsored four indigenes: Ebong James Gideon to Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, Abai Emem Michael to the University of Portsmouth, Ukpeh Ikponoabasi Imo to the University of East London, and Esitikot Blessing Nse to the University of Exeter. These all-expense-paid programs cover tuition, accommodation, and living stipends, empowering young Akwa Ibomites to acquire world-class expertise and return as agents of change. Idem's philosophy is simple yet profound: "Invest in people, and they will build the nation." Through these scholarships, he has not only bridged educational gaps but has also fostered a culture of excellence, inspiring a generation to dream beyond borders.
The pinnacle of Idem's recent accolades came on February 12, 2026, when Leadership Newspaper honored him as the House of Representatives Member of the Year 2025 on Constituency Development at their prestigious annual awards ceremony in Abuja. This recognition, a new category in the awards, celebrated his exceptional record in lawmaking and grassroots impact, placing him alongside luminaries like Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who was named Legislator of the Year.The event, attended by Nigeria's elite—including the First Lady, six governors, and notable figures from public service, sports, and arts—highlighted Idem's transformative projects that have redefined constituency representation. In his acceptance speech, Idem attributed the honor to divine grace and the trust of his people, pledging to continue his "apostle of motions" role— a moniker earned from sponsoring the highest number of motions in the 9th Assembly. This award builds on previous honors, such as the 2023 Most Valuable Parliamentarian by Orderpaper Nigeria and the 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello Integrity Legacy Award from a northern youth group, underscoring his national stature as a reform-driven lawmaker.
What sets Hon. Idem apart is his charisma, a magnetic quality reminiscent of Godswill Akpabio, the uncommon transformer who revolutionized Akwa Ibom during his governorship from 2007 to 2015. Like Akpabio, Idem exudes a visionary zeal, blending bold infrastructure initiatives with compassionate philanthropy. His involvement in Akpabio's campaigns and recent collaborations, such as representing the Senate President at stakeholder meetings, highlight a shared dedication to Akwa Ibom's development. Idem's God-fearing nature shines through in his actions—empowerment events often begin with prayers, and he views his role as a divine calling to serve. Charismatic and approachable, he engages constituents with infectious enthusiasm, turning policy into personal triumphs. Dedicated to transparency, he has earned trust through verifiable impacts, much like Akpabio's era of uncommon transformation. In Idem, Akwa Ibom sees a leader who embodies these traits, poised to elevate the state on a grander scale.
As Akwa Ibom looks to the future, Hon. Unyime Idem stands equipped and ready to ascend to the governorship. His track record speaks volumes: a man who has turned legislative opportunities into lifelines for thousands, fostering education, economic growth, and unity. By the grace of God, Idem's journey is far from over; it is merely evolving into a chapter where he leads Akwa Ibom toward unprecedented heights. In him, the state finds not just a politician, but a divinely inspired governor-in-waiting, ready to script a legacy of enduring prosperity.
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