The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Unyime Idem, PhD, has announced the second phase of his ₦1 billion Family-Based Agricultural/Business Support Initiative, targeting 1,000 beneficiaries who will receive ₦1 million each or agricultural and business equipment worth over ₦1 million.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement, said the initiative was designed to strengthen agriculture, agribusiness and small-scale enterprises across the constituency. The programme builds on the first phase launched on December 6, 2025, during which ₦1 billion was disbursed to 1,000 beneficiaries, with each recipient receiving a ₦1 million business grant.
In a statement announcing the second phase, Rep. Idem disclosed that nomination guidelines had been released to ensure transparency, fairness and inclusivity. Under the arrangement, each of the approximately 300 villages in the constituency is expected to nominate three beneficiaries, with at least one woman included. Women, youths, men, older persons and persons living with disabilities are eligible, provided their families did not benefit from the first phase.
To ensure a community-driven selection process, each village will constitute a four-member committee comprising the Village Political Leader as chairman, Village Head as co-chairman, Village Youth President as secretary and Village Women Leader as member. Family heads will also be incorporated into the committees, while selection will be through consensus or balloting where consensus fails. Members of the Central Planning Committee will participate only as observers, and nominations will undergo independent verification.
The lawmaker further stated that successful beneficiaries would undergo mandatory business management training before disbursement, while a reputable Nigerian business firm would monitor the utilisation of the grants to ensure they serve their intended agricultural and business purposes. Payments will be made directly into beneficiaries’ verified personal bank accounts, with proxy accounts prohibited.
The inauguration of the village committees is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Unyime Idem Mega Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Centre, Barracks Road, Ukanafun, by 10 a.m. All nomination forms must be submitted to the Central Planning Committee on or before December 15, 2026. Rep. Idem assured constituents of a transparent selection process, adding that the empowerment initiative would be implemented in annual batches to create opportunities for more eligible residents in subsequent phases.
