…Lawmaker Showcases Legislative Achievements, Empowerment Initiatives
John NTEKIM
Rep. Martins Esin, representing Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency, has been honoured by Oron Union, Abuja Branch, for his exceptional representation in the National Assembly over the past year.
Esin who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development was presented with the accolade at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, during a visit by a delegation led by the Branch President, Ulap Ukpong Ukpong.
During the ceremony, life-patron of the Branch, Very Rev. Vincent Asukwo presented an Award of Excellence to Rep. Esin, praising his significant legislative contributions and dedication to the needs of his constituents in education, economic empowerment, infrastructure, youth development, and social welfare.
Branch President Ulap Ukpong Ukpong commended the lawmaker for his relentless efforts, highlighting initiatives such as the 100 Million Naira Oro Youth Enterprise Scheme (OYES), the annual Unity Football Tournament, the Oro Students Engagement & Education Development Scheme (OSEEDs), and the training and empowerment of 160 youths and women with solar installation kits and appliances for confectionery, among other life-enhancing programmes and infrastructural projects.
“In just one year, you have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to our constituency’s development. We are grateful to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, for appointing you as Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, despite being a first-term lawmaker. Your work has brought significant progress and hope to our people,” said Ukpong.
In his speech, Rep. Esin expressed gratitude for the honour and stressed the importance of a strong relationship between Oron Union, Abuja Branch, and his office.
He detailed his legislative efforts, including sponsoring the National Housing Fund (Amendment) Bill, the National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, the Citizenship and Leadership Training Center Act (Amendment) Bill, and a Bill to establish the Federal University of Aeronautics, Urue Offong/Oruko LGA which he said would enhance the nation’s aviation industry by providing a training hub for pilots, cabin crew members and other aviation workers.
Rep. Esin also discussed the status of his motions addressing gully erosion in Ekeya (Okobo) and Iquita (Oron) communities, and enhancing security in Oron to combat kidnappings, sea piracy, and armed robberies.
He highlighted ongoing interventions, such as the construction of Mary Hanney Road, Umoh Utok Street, Calabar Street, and Calabar Lane (totalling 1.5 kilometres), the donation of laptops to 43 students and lecturers to aid research, and providing equipment to traditional rulers’ palaces in the constituency’s five LGAs.
The Rep Member explained that akin to his first capacity-building programme which targeted 160 beneficiaries within his first 75 days in office, his 100 Million Naira Oro Youth Enterprise Scheme which aims to bolster 300 small and medium-sized businesses is intended to stimulate economic growth within the constituency.
He assured constituents of continued efforts to improve their quality of life through his RIDE Agenda and sought their support for the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno.
“This award symbolizes our collective commitment to development. I am deeply humbled and will continue working tirelessly to ensure the voices of our people are heard in the National Assembly,” Esin affirmed.
Other speakers, including Barr. Isikong Isong, Mrs. Helen Anim, and Barr. Asukwo Unuyu acknowledged Rep. Esin’s positive impact and congratulated him on a successful first year in the parliament.
The delegation included Executive members of Oron Union, Abuja Branch, members of the Branch’s Elders Forum, and prominent indigenes of Oro Nation residing in the Federal Capital Territory.
