Viewing Rep. Martins Esin from an Insider’s Perspective: A Birthday Tribute

Viewing Rep. Martins Esin from an Insider’s Perspective: A Birthday Tribute

John NTEKIM

In the arena of Nigerian politics, some figures pass through quietly, while others leave an imprint so distinct that their presence cannot be mistaken. Rep. Martins Esin belongs unmistakably to the latter category.

More than just a fashion choice, his signature appearance in a perfectly cut immaculate white shirt, adorned with the Oro ancestral red cap is regarded by him as a symbol. It is the visual signature of a man who carries the spirit, pride, and dignity of Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency into the Green Chamber with poise and authority.

Coupled with his persuasive mien and intelligent delivery on the floor of parliament, his iconic appearance has made him the very embodiment of the constituency he represents. To watch Rep. Esin in plenary is to see confidence wedded to clarity, tradition blended with modern intellect, and youthfulness merged with responsibility.

When Rep. Martins Esin took office in June 2023, expectations were high among his supporters, but even they couldn’t have predicted the speed and scale of his impact. From the very start, he hit the ground running – earning a place on the special six-man Ad Hoc Committee on Rules and Business before the House even constituted its standing committees.

His eventual appointment as Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, a rare feat for a first-term lawmaker and the first time an Oro representative has chaired a standing committee since 1999, broadened his mandate beyond representing the largest federal constituency by local government spread, to also speaking for Nigeria’s largest demographic group: the youth, constituting over 60% of the nation’s population.

This position has further enhanced his capacity to execute his RIDE Agenda of “Representation, Inspiration, Development and Empowerment”. In a little over two years, Rep. Martins Esin has worked with deliberate consistency to check every box in his blueprint in a fashion that is thin on ground within the broader Nigerian political landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

R – REPRESENTATION:

Rep. Esin has been a strong, articulate voice in the House, sponsoring some landmark Bills, including the historic Bill for an Act to establish the Federal University of Aeronautics Urue-Offong Oruko, Akwa Ibom State; A Bill for an Act to amend the National Youth Service Corps Act CAP N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to review upward the accommodation and transport allowances of Corps members in line with current realities; A Bill for an Act to repeal the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre Act of 1989 and enact the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre Act, 2024, and for matters connected thereto; A Bill for an Act to amend the National Housing Fund Cap N45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004; and the recent laying of a Committee report on A Bill for an Act to establish the National Youth Welfare Scheme Fund to manage and coordinate youth welfare service to reduce challenges in governance and security in the country and for related matters.

He has also sponsored critical Motions addressing the Need to address the menace of gully erosion in Iquita, Oron and Ekeya community in Okobo LGA, Akwa Ibom State; Need to immediately commence academic activities at the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, Akwa Ibom State; Need to beef up security in Oron LGA and its environs to mitigate persistent kidnappings, sea piracy, armed robbery and wanton killings of innocent citizens; Need for urgent intervention in the abduction of the Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area and other eminent persons in Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, among others.

I – INSPIRATION:

By his own design, this was meant to be a natural outcome of the other three pillars. His story as an under-40, dynamic parliamentarian is no doubt inspiring Oro youth and Nigerian youth alike to dream bigger. This, he has demonstrated through various speaking engagements and gestures, such as the sponsorship of some children from the constituency to the 2024 National Children Leadership Conference in Abuja.

D – DEVELOPMENT:

Development for Rep. Esin isn’t a slogan but a list of tangible projects. He has:
• Completed 1.5 km of roads with drainage and solar lighting in Oron.
• Installed over 500 solar-powered streetlights across the constituency .
• Delivered four solar-powered boreholes across the constituency.
• Built a fully equipped Youth Development Centre (awaiting inauguration).
• Begun construction of a 6-classroom block at St. Michael’s School, Udung Uko.
• Donated furniture, mowers, and public address systems to traditional rulers.

E – EMPOWERMENT:

• Understanding that true empowerment comes from skills and opportunities, Rep. Esin has:
• Distributed 110 water pumps to fishermen and farmers.
• Sponsored 160 youths in solar installation and food processing.
• Launched the Oro Youths Enterprise Scheme (OYES), disbursing ₦100 million to 300 entrepreneurs.
• Established the Oro Students Engagement and Education Development Scheme (OSEEDS), donating 93 laptops and promoting digital literacy.
• Trained 100 constituents in digital skills and CNG conversion.
• Empowered students, media professionals, traders, and artisans with tools and funding.
• Donated vehicles, tricycles, and even wheelchairs to meet diverse needs.
• Facilitated federal jobs for constituents.
• Launched the Martins Esin Unity Cup to promote youth sports.
• Donated medical supplies to the General Hospital, Iquita, and supported constituents during festive seasons.

Calm, austere, well-read and thoroughly exposed, Rep. Martins Esin has brought to public service the rare mix of compassion, erudition, accountability and the zeal to always get things done. Persons closely associated with him would attest that he gives no excuses.

At a prime age in politics, he stands at the intersection of youthful energy, extensive private sector experience, legislative competence, and a deep connection to the yearnings of his people, all of which prepared him for the early national reckoning he has now been thrusted into. The outcome is his sterling scorecard in just two years as a federal lawmaker.
Hence, one cannot but agree that he has proven to be a tried and trusted hand – capable of bearing the burden of articulating and pursuing a clearer vision for both the political and developmental future of Oro Nation under his “Forward Oro” mantra.

On his birthday, I join everyone else to celebrate with him a life of service that has repositioned our constituency in the front row of Nigeria’s parliament.

Happy Birthday, Rep. Martins Esin – our iconic representative. May your years ahead be even more eventful.

John Ntekim is a journalist and the Legislative Aide to Rep. Martins Esin.