By Edikan Titus
The 2027 flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency, Engr. Ubong Clement Idemudo, has said his more than two decades of hands-on experience in the global oil and gas sector will be a strategic asset to his people if elected to represent them in the House of Representatives.
Speaking during an interactive session with student representatives and youth leaders from the three local government areas yesterday evening, the NDC candidate maintained that his background in the private sector gives him a clear understanding of how jobs are created, filled, and sustained in multinational settings.
The meeting, held at the Doctors’ Mess in Uyo, brought together young leaders from Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo, alongside senior party stakeholders who came to listen to Idemudo’s plans for jobs, skills and legislative advocacy.
Idemudo, a technocrat who has spent much of his career abroad, told the gathering that the networks, technical exposure and corporate governance standards he has built over the years can be converted into real opportunities for constituents.
“My experience in the private sector will be very advantageous to our people,” Idemudo told the gathering.
He went further to explain how that advantage would translate into action for graduates and skilled youths who have struggled to break into the industry.
“Having managed multi-million dollar drilling operations in challenging environments, I understand how multinationals think, how they recruit, and what standards they require. I intend to use that knowledge to open doors for our youths in multinational corporations and other global firms.”
Seated beside him at the consultative meeting was the NDC Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Engr. Frank Okon, as well as other key party leaders from the district.
In his address, Idemudo outlined three priority areas he intends to pursue if elected: job creation, skills development, and legislative interventions that will make youths from the constituency more competitive in oil, gas and maritime-related industries. He stressed that Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, which hosts several oil and gas operations, deserves a representative who can negotiate directly with industry players.
To do that, he promised to build formal bridges between constituents and employers across Nigeria and the wider Gulf region.
He specifically promised to work with human resource departments of multinational corporations operating in the area, Nigeria and the Gulf region to create internship, graduate trainee and direct employment pathways for qualified youths from the constituency.
Idemudo identified lack of access and mentorship, rather than lack of talent, as the biggest barrier facing graduates today.
“Too many of our graduates are at home not because they lack capacity, but because they lack access and mentorship,” he noted.
To address that gap, he said his office and foundation would roll out structured programs aimed at preparing young people for the workplace and connecting them directly to employers.
“Through the Ubong Idemudo Foundation and through my legislative office, we will run a structured employability program, CV clinics, technical certifications, and direct linkage with companies. That is the promise I am making to you today.”
Beyond jobs, the technocrat-turned-politician called on young people to approach politics with a service mindset. He urged unity among students and youth groups, saying development can only happen when the community speaks with one voice.
“Wherever I have served, I have brought positive transformation and meaningful development. And, by God’s grace and with your support, I will do the same in the Green Chamber.”
Idemudo also used the opportunity to mobilize support for the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections. He asked constituents to vote for him, for the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and for other NDC candidates, describing the party as the one with the clearest agenda for competence, accountability and youth inclusion.
Youth leaders at the meeting responded positively to his presentation, citing his long record of philanthropy and community engagement through the Ubong Idemudo Foundation.
Comrade Abasiubong, who spoke on behalf of the students’ body, praised Idemudo’s commitment to home despite his international career, describing him as “a son of the soil who has not forgotten home despite his international exposure.”
Abasiubong added:
“We have followed your work through the Ubong Idemudo Foundation,”
“You have paid school fees, supported small businesses, and sponsored skills training. We are ready to mobilize our structures across the three local governments areas to ensure your victory in 2027.”
Other speakers noted that the federal constituency needs representation that combines technical knowledge with the political will to push for better benefits, local content, and corporate social responsibility from companies operating in the area.
Engr. Ubong Clement Idemudo is a distinguished engineer and grassroots mobilizer with over 20 years of progressive leadership and technical experience in the global oil and gas industry.
He currently serves as a Rig Manager with ADNOC Drilling Company in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he leads multi-disciplinary teams in delivering safe, efficient, and innovative drilling and workover operations across challenging terrains.
A royal indigene of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Idemudo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Uyo and a Master’s Degree in Petroleum and Gas Engineering from Nile University of Nigeria.
He is a registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, and an active member of the International Association of Engineers, IAENG.
His public service began early. He first came to prominence as Director of Transport in the Students’ Union Government, SUG, University of Uyo. He later served as Chairman of NUPENG, Septer Energy Branch, where he championed workers’ welfare, industrial harmony, and constructive engagement with industry stakeholders.
Through the Ubong Idemudo Foundation, he has continued to invest in education, health outreaches and small business grants across Akwa Ibom South.
Speaking after the meeting, youth leader Mr. Gabriel Nkenta described Idemudo’s candidacy as timely for the constituency.
“Today, Engr. Idemudo stands as a prime candidate for national service at the highest level,” Gabriel noted.
“He is bringing together technical expertise in Petroleum and Gas engineering proven across international frontiers, union leadership and stakeholder management skills honed in NUPENG, and grassroots political influence nurtured through years of mobilization and social investment.”
