Hon. Unyime Josiah Idem, a businessman, philanthropist, and federal lawmaker, has become one of the most impactful members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, where he represents the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.
Born on January 14, 1975, in Usung Atiat, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. Idem holds a B.Sc. in Business Management and an M.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Uyo, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership. He possesses professional certifications from institutions in Ghana, India, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, and Nigeria. Before joining politics, he established a thriving business empire spanning telecommunications, banking, agriculture, real estate, and construction, employing over 500 Nigerians.
LEGISLATIVE IMPACT
Elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, Hon. Idem has proven himself a prolific legislator. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement and Leader of the Akwa Ibom Caucus in the House. In the 9th Assembly, he was Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Communications and served on several other committees, including ICT, Works, Petroleum (Upstream), Banking, SDGs, Customs, and the NDDC.
He has sponsored 22 bills and 28 motions of urgent national importance, making him one of the most active lawmakers in Nigeria. His advocacy contributed to the federal government’s ₦55 billion approval for the Odukpani–Itu Road dualisation project. In 2022, he was named Best Member of the House of Representatives in recognition of his legislative excellence and constituency impact.
TRANSFORMATIONAL CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS
Hon. Idem’s representation is built on human capital development, infrastructure delivery, and social welfare. Over 8,000 constituents have benefitted from his training programmes, with more than 100 youths sponsored abroad — including to China, the UK, and Rwanda — for specialised skills in business, ICT, and technical trades.
He has empowered over 2,500 people, including widows and artisans, with vehicles, industrial equipment, ICT tools, sewing machines, barbing kits, and start-up grants.
His infrastructural legacy includes:
- Roads & Bridges: 1.2 km Akpan Assiek Market Road (with drainage and streetlights), 4 km Ikot Akpan Essien–Ikot Obong–Ikot Ukpong Eren road, and the ongoing 2.8 km Ikot Akpa Nkuk–Usung Atiat road.
- Educational & ICT Facilities: Over 40 classroom blocks, 14 ICT/e-learning centres, and fully equipped vocational training hubs.
- Community & Social Infrastructure: Solar-powered boreholes in multiple communities, a 1,000-seat civic centre, lecture seats for Akwa Ibom State University, and a two-bedroom bungalow for a blind widow.
He has also distributed over 10,000 bags of rice, awarded scholarships and bursaries, conducted free medical outreaches, and provided small business grants to hundreds of beneficiaries.
A LEADER WITH RESULTS
Hon. Unyime Idem’s record reflects a blend of legislative competence, developmental vision, and compassion for his people. His actions in the National Assembly and at the grassroots have positioned Ukanafun/Oruk Anam as a model constituency for people-focused representation.
With sustained focus on empowerment, infrastructure, and economic progress, he continues to demonstrate how public office can be a tool for genuine transformation.
Congratulations from all of us at Newsday Newspapers to Hon. Unyime Idem for his exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam and Nigeria at large.