Abia Lands Commissioner Charges UNN Alumni on Proper Documentation, as Association Seeks Land for Secretariat

The Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumereije, has charged members of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Umuahia Branch, to ensure that all landed properties belonging to members of the association are properly documented in line with government regulations.

Chukwumereije gave the charge when the UNAA Umuahia Branch paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Umuahia on Tuesday.

The Commissioner, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, TPL Ukeje .U. Ukpabi, urged landowners to obtain the necessary documents, including Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other statutory registrations covering their properties.

He said the present administration of Governor Alex Otti had provided digital platforms for land registration, stressing that the process would enhance transparency and ensure that property records were properly captured.

He further warned that government would soon clamp down on properties that failed to comply with its land policies.

Earlier in his address, the President of UNAA, Umuahia Branch, Amb. Emmanuel Ememandu, had said the   delegation came to familiarize with Commissioner as well as to seeking the state government’s support for an allocation of a parcel of land within the Umuahia Capital Territory for the construction of a modern secretariat and alumni centre.

Ememandu commended the Commissioner for granting the association an audience despite his tight schedule, describing the visit as an opportunity to appreciate Governor Alex Otti’s administration for its developmental strides across the state.

He said UNAA, popularly known as the “Lions and Lionesses,” remained an important intellectual and socio-economic force, with more than 50 branches across Nigeria and in countries including the United States, United Kingdom and Cameroon.

According to him, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which produced its first graduates in 1963, had continued to contribute significantly to national development through its alumni spread across various sectors.

He said the Umuahia branch was committed to supporting the development of the university and contributing meaningfully to the progress of Abia State.

Ememandu appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Housing to assist the association in securing land within the Umuahia Capital Territory for its permanent secretariat and alumni centre.

He expressed confidence that the project would provide a permanent platform for alumni engagements, meetings and other programmes while strengthening the activities of the association in the state.

Also speaking, Elder Enyinnaya Elekwachi appealed to Governor Otti to provide an operational vehicle for the association to facilitate its logistics and intra- and inter-state activities.

Similarly, Dr. Mrs. Ifeoma Ugwa called on the governor to review the issue of pension harmonisation for retirees across the state, noting that many retirees were receiving meagre pensions that had become inadequate in view of current economic realities.

Responding to the request for land, Chukwumereije described UNAA as a vital force in the intellectual and socio-economic development of Abia, noting that its members had continued to make valuable contributions to society.My

He said the proposed alumni centre was a progressive initiative capable of adding value to the state and aligning with the Otti administration’s commitment to structured urban development and partnerships with reputable organisations.

The Commissioner, however, directed the association to submit a formal application accompanied by a detailed project proposal, its Certificate of Incorporation or registration documents, and a conceptual site design or architectural blueprint indicating the required land size.

He explained that upon receipt of the documents, the ministry’s technical team would assess the availability of suitable land within the Umuahia Capital Territory master plan and advise the association on the next steps.

The UNAA delegation expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and officials of the Ministry for their warm reception and openness to considering its request.

In a vote of thanks, ESV G.C. Eze commended the Commissioner for the hospitality extended to the delegation and prayed for God’s blessings upon the management and staff of the ministry.

He assured the ministry that UNAA regarded itself as a partner in development and would continue to do everything within its capacity to sustain the cordial relationship.

Highpoint on the visit was presentation of a birthday gift to Hon. Chief Clement Onyeoziri, a member of UNAA whose birthday coincides the visit to the Commissioner.

Those present during the visit included the Directors of Administration and Finance of the ministry, Mrs. Chinemerem and Mr. Nwanganga; the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Okezie; and other senior officials of the ministry.