Unyime Idem Announces Second ₦1bn Empowerment Phase for 1,000 Constituents

By NewsDesk –

The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, has announced the second phase of his ₦1 billion family-based agricultural and business support initiative, which will provide assistance to 1,000 constituents.

Under the programme, each beneficiary will receive either ₦1 million in cash or agricultural or business equipment valued at more than ₦1 million. The type of support will depend on the beneficiary’s enterprise and its needs.

Idem, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, said the initiative would prioritise farmers and entrepreneurs. It aims to strengthen businesses, improve livelihoods and support economic activity across the constituency.

The second phase follows the first, launched on December 6, 2025, when ₦1 billion was distributed among 1,000 beneficiaries, with each receiving a ₦1 million grant.

According to the guidelines released by Idem’s office, eligible applicants include women, youths, men, older people and persons with disabilities. Applicants must come from families that did not benefit from the first phase. Selection is to be based on the programme’s guidelines, without regard to political or religious affiliation or access to influential people.

Each village is expected to nominate three beneficiaries, subject to the overall target of 1,000. At least one of each village’s nominees must be a woman.

Village nominations will be handled by four-member committees comprising the village political leader, who will chair the committee; the village head, as co-chair; the village youth president, as secretary; and the village women leader, as a member. Family heads are also to be incorporated into the committees.

The committees will select nominees by consensus or, where agreement cannot be reached, by ballot. Members of the Central Planning Committee will observe the process but will not select beneficiaries. All four village committee members must sign the completed nomination forms before submission.

The guidelines state that nominations may be cancelled where credible irregularities, misconduct, disputes or significant non-compliance are established. An independent verification exercise will also confirm nominees’ residency and the committees’ due diligence.

Selected beneficiaries will be required to complete designated forms and provide verifiable personal information, a recent passport photograph and a valid means of identification. Support payments will be made directly to beneficiaries’ verified bank accounts. The office said payments would not be made through proxy accounts.

Before receiving support, beneficiaries will attend mandatory business training delivered by a Nigerian business firm. The firm will also monitor the grants to encourage their use for the intended agricultural and business purposes.

The inauguration of the village committees is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Unyime Idem Mega Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Centre on Barracks Road, Ukanafun Local Government Area. The event is due to begin at 10 a.m.

Committees must submit completed nomination forms to the Central Planning Committee by December 15, 2026. Constituents seeking information about the process are advised to contact their village committees.

Idem’s office said the initiative would be implemented in annual batches, giving eligible constituents who are not selected in this phase an opportunity to be considered in subsequent phases.