03/11/2025
Ime Okon: An Effective Representative with a Heart for His People
In the heat of political promises and the endless rhetoric of representation, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, has consistently demonstrated that effective representation is not measured by words, but by impact. His four-day free medical and surgical outreach at Palmer Hospital, Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom a few months ago, specifically 11-14th March 2025 left an imprint of hope, relief, and gratitude in the lives of his constituents.
What started as a routine medical mission turned into a lifesaving intervention for many. From surgeries that families could barely afford, to eye care that restored vision, the initiative reaffirmed Okon’s commitment to bringing the dividends of democracy closer to the people.
Healing Beyond Numbers
According to Dr. Edidiong Emmanuel, the clinical coordinator of the outreach, the exercise was an overwhelming success. “We have conducted over 60 major and minor surgeries and distributed more than 200 medicated eye glasses. Beyond that, cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even pregnancy-related complications were handled by our team of specialists,” he disclosed to journalists on the final day of the programme.
The sheer scale of the exercise underscores not just an investment in healthcare, but an intentional effort to close the gap for ordinary people who often cannot afford the cost of medical attention. Day two, three, and four of the outreach were specifically dedicated to surgical operations, with fibroid and hernia cases topping the list.
Stories of Hope
For patients like Imaobong Ntukidem, who successfully underwent fibroid surgery, the programme was nothing short of divine intervention. “I am grateful to Hon. Ime Okon for sponsoring this. May God bless him,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion as she praised the medical team for their professionalism and compassion.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Elijah Morgan Edet from Itu, narrated how financial constraints had prevented him from treating a hernia he had endured for long. “Respite came when I heard of this free outreach. Today, I have undergone the surgery, thanks to Hon. Okon’s milk of kindness,” he said with relief.
Similarly, Mfon Peter, who had battled fibroid for years, could not hide her joy. “This is a huge blessing. I thank God for using the lawmaker to wipe away my tears. He is indeed a gift to us,” she remarked.
Representation Beyond Politics
What distinguishes Ime Okon in this instance is not just that he sponsored free medical care, but that he directly touched lives in a way that constituents can feel, remember, and tell their stories. In an era where many view representation as distant or abstract, Okon is etching his name in the hearts of the people by addressing one of their most fundamental needs—health.
The outreach, which witnessed a large turnout, is a testament to the lawmaker’s philosophy that governance should be people-centered and that effective representation as a Lawmaker isn't just about sponsorship of Motions and Bills. By shouldering the cost of surgeries, consultations, and medication, he has given many families a new chance at life and wellness.
A Representative in Action
As the curtains fell on the four-day outreach, the stories of lives saved, surgeries completed, and hope restored continued to spread across Itu and Ibiono Ibom. For Hon. Ime Okon, it was not a political gesture but a moral duty, a reflection of what it means to be an effective representative and one who listens, gets feedback, feels, and acts in the service of his people.
In the words of a patient: “He is not just a lawmaker in Abuja; he is a lawmaker in our lives.”
© Itoro Etti
