Background
Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme James Otong was born to the family of the late Elder James Otong of the Atai Essien extended family in Abak Itenge village, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He completed his primary education at Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Abak Itenge, and obtained his West African School Certificate from Holy Family College, Oku Abak.
Education
- First School Leaving Certificate: Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Abak Itenge
- West African School Certificate: Holy Family College, Oku Abak
- National Diploma (ND) in General Nursing: School of Nursing, Eket
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in Psychiatric Nursing: School of Psychiatric Nursing, Calabar
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Sociology & Anthropology: University of Uyo, Second Class, Upper Division (2013)
Career in Civil Service
Rt. Hon. Otong started his professional journey as a healthcare provider/nursing officer in the State Civil Service under the Ministry of Health. He rose through the ranks to become a Director before retiring meritoriously.
Positions of Responsibility Held
- National President: Initiative of Health Workers in Community Medicine, Nigeria (2008-2016)
- President and Trustee: Health Workers Multipurpose Co-operatives Society, Akwa Ibom State (2008-2016)
- Chairman: National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Akwa Ibom State Chapter (2007-2015)
- Chairman: Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Akwa Ibom State (2008-2016)
- Chairman: Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Akwa Ibom State (2008-2016)
- Chairman and Director: EDIMED Pharmacy Ltd, Nigeria
Contributions and Recognitions
Rt. Hon. Otong is a significant stakeholder in the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the founder of EDIMED Global Healthcare Foundation, an NGO known for providing free medical services in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of Nigeria. He holds various chieftaincy titles, recognitions, and awards from reputable professional bodies and socio-political organizations.
Conferences Attended
Rt. Hon. Otong has attended numerous international and local conferences for capacity building, including:
- International Conference of Health Workers in Nigeria
- International Council of Nurses (ICN) conferences in South Korea, Canada, and Australia
- International Conference for Chairmen, House Committee on Health, Pennsylvania, USA
- Conference of Parliamentary Association of Africa organized by Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Tanzania
- Akwa Ibom State Legislative Oversight Orientation Workshop organized by USAID, Nigeria
- Capacity Building Workshop on IPSAS on Budgeting for the 8th Akwa Ibom State Legislative Assembly, 2023
- Inter-parliamentary Exchange Programme/Study Tour in Kigali, Rwanda, 2024
Political Journey
In 2019, Rt. Hon. Otong was elected to represent Abak State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. During his first tenure (2019-2023), he served in various committees, including:
- Chairman, Committee on Health
- Deputy Chairman, Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities
- Member of several other committees including Appropriations and Finance, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Environment, House Services, Women Affairs, Social Welfare and Co-operative, Education, and Inter-governmental, Political and Social Matters
He sponsored five bills, with two being assented to by Governor Udom Emmanuel:
- A bill to establish the College of Nursing Sciences in Akwa Ibom State
- Akwa Ibom State Social Health Insurance Agency Bill, 2023
He also sponsored six motions and co-sponsored thirty-six bills.
Recent Achievements
Re-elected in March 2023 for a second term, Rt. Hon. Otong was unanimously elected as the 13th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on June 9, 2023. His tenure as Speaker has been marked by impactful and superlative achievements.
Personal Life
An ordained Elder of the Qua Iboe Church, Rt. Hon. Otong is married to Deaconess (Mrs.) Margaret Udeme Otong. They have three sons: a Radiographer, a Medical Doctor, and a final-year Law student, along with several grandchildren.
