Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed his readiness to partner with the members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the development of the State.

Governor Otti stated this in Government House Umuahia, while receiving in audience, a delegation of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, led by its President and Chairman of the Council, ESV. Chief Victor Adekunle Alonge, who were in the State for their 2026 annual conference taking place at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube layout, Umuahia.

Gov. Otti said that his government considers itself as partners to institutions that share similar visions with it.

“We consider ourselves partners to institutions and people who have the same vision and who share our aspiration for a better place for our people.

“We have worked closely with members of this institution in Abia State and I think we will even redouble that effort.

“There are a lot of things we are doing in the real estate side that will require your involvement and that of your members.

“I think this offers us an opportunity to close ranks and work closer with each other,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti thanked the institution for its choice to hold this year’s conference and annual general meeting of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers for the first time in Abia State.

The Governor assured that members of his cabinet would be on hand to support the association.

“I would instruct my commissioners who are here to work very closely with you.

“I want to also say that our people are on hand to give you all the necessary support that you require,” Gov. Otti assured.

Governor Otti, who used the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to establishing a 5-Star Hotel in Umuahia to provide more comfortable accommodation to visitors and associations that choose Abia for conferences wished the the members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers fruitful deliberations in their annual conference taking place in Umuahia.

Earlier in his speech, the President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Dr Victor Alonge disclosed that they are in the State for the 2026 annual conference of the institution holding in Umuahia with the theme “Corridors, Connectivity and Capital; Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments”, between Monday 13th to Saturday 18th April, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

He revealed that this is the first time Abia is hosting the annual conference and expressed delight that it’s happening under Governor Otti.

Chief Alonge who said that Abia is noted for its huge contributions to the development of the Institution, thanked Governor Otti for the financial and logistics support to the institution in the State and for the good working relationship between members of the institution and the State government.

“I also would like to appreciate Your Excellency for the good working relationship between the members of our profession in Abia State and the State government.

“We would continue to offer the State our professional services in the best global practices, upholding our well articulated and documented code of professional ethics,” Chief Alonge stated.

He said that their members have progressively impacted the State in the areas of policy formulation, Land Administration, Asset Management and Administration, Housing and Project development in general.

He further stated that the Governor’s transformation drives and sound policies have opened up the State to local and foreign investments which he noted has significantly strengthened the economy of the State.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Commissioners for Housing, Land & Survey as well Agriculture, DG GODA and UCDA among other top government officials were present at the visit.

The Abia State Government, in strategic collaboration with the Federal Housing Authority, has formally commenced the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Federal Housing Authority Renewed Hope Estate in Umuahia.
This is a project that clearly demonstrates strong and deliberate Federal Government support for state-led development.

The landmark initiative, driven under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to expand access to affordable housing, enhance structured urban development, and significantly improve living standards across Abia State. The project underscores a functional and results-oriented partnership where federal resources are effectively aligned with state execution capacity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Alex Chioma Otti reaffirmed that the welfare of Abians remains central to his administration, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment between the state and the Federal Government to deliver people-focused infrastructure.
He commended President Tinubu and the Federal Housing Authority for their direct intervention, emphasizing that the project will ease the persistent accommodation challenges faced by residents.

Governor Otti further highlighted that all land acquisition processes were conducted in strict compliance with due process, including full compensation, stakeholder engagement, and community consent, demonstrating institutional discipline and social responsibility.

In his address, the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, acknowledged Abia State’s preparedness and proactive governance, noting that the seamless provision of land, clear titles, and prompt compensation were critical enablers of federal investment. He emphasized that the project is part of a nationwide housing delivery framework aimed at closing Nigeria’s housing deficit through coordinated federal-state collaboration.

“This is about leadership synergy, not political differences,” he stated, pointing to the alignment between President Tinubu’s national housing vision and Governor Otti’s development-driven governance model.
The Commissioner for Housing, Chiemela Uzoije, described the project as a turning point, noting that it will directly address housing shortages while stimulating economic activities and generating employment opportunities.

Under the scheme, approximately 1,200 housing units  on a 100 hectares of land will be constructed, targeting low-, middle-, and high-income earners. The estate is designed as a fully integrated residential hub, featuring road networks, drainage systems, water supply, electricity, commercial areas, schools, and security infrastructure.

Historical insights revealed that the project, initially conceived nearly two decades ago, gained renewed momentum following decisive intervention by the current administration,further reinforcing the credibility of the partnership.
Stakeholders across federal, state, and community levels unanimously described the initiative as a model of cooperative governance.
The project not only reflects tangible Federal Government commitment but also positions Abia as a growing hub for organized urban expansion and sustainable infrastructure development.

Overall, the groundbreaking ceremony stands as a clear testament to how coordinated federal support, when matched with responsive state leadership, can translate policy into impactful development outcomes.

The Abia State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing,  will officially flag off the groundbreaking ceremony for a proposed Federal Housing Estate in Umuahia, marking a major milestone in the state’s drive toward modern urban development and affordable housing delivery.

The landmark project, strategically located along Ubani–Uzuakoli Road in Umuahia North, is designed to expand access to affordable housing, elevate living standards, and stimulate sustainable community growth across Abia State.
Scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the project site, the ceremony is expected to attract top government functionaries, development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the public, all converging to witness what is widely regarded as a defining moment in the state’s housing and infrastructure agenda.
Beyond housing, the Abia State Government has reaffirmed its broader commitment to integrated urban transformation, with modern transportation and city renewal initiatives gaining significant momentum.

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that advanced discussions with the Nigerian Railway Corporation have paved the way for the construction of a new Umuahia railway station.

According to him, the proposed station will be sited adjacent to the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal and will feature a modern urban rail corridor integrated with retail and commercial hubs to drive economic activity within the axis. He added that a network of access roads will be developed to enhance connectivity to surrounding communities.

In furtherance of its urban renewal agenda, the government is intensifying efforts to decongest the Isi Gate axis of Umuahia. Plans are in place to relocate traders to the newly developed Relief Market at Afara, with compensation already paid to affected landowners. Perimeter fencing has been completed, while construction of a retaining wall is ongoing.
Additionally, commercial vehicles currently operating at Okigwe Park will be moved to the soon-to-be-commissioned ultra-modern bus terminal, while interim arrangements will see traders relocated to Okigwe Park pending the completion of the Afara market.

Prince Kanu also revealed that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is nearing completion and will serve as a cornerstone for the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service Scheme. Supporting infrastructure—including charging stations, ticketing systems, bus shelters, and junction improvements—has already been put in place.
“When fully operational, the new central bus terminal and the Green Shuttle Bus Service will position Umuahia among leading cities in Nigeria with modern and efficient public transportation systems,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Greater Ohafia Development Authority has completed several infrastructure projects awaiting commissioning. These include key road networks and the Afiankwo Isiama Daily Market, all expected to boost commerce and accelerate economic transformation in the region.
Reiterating the significance of the housing project, government officials emphasized that the initiative is a joint effort between federal and state authorities. The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the state government played a critical role, including providing land and facilitating project execution.

He dismissed contrary claims as political distractions, stressing that the focus remains on delivering impactful, people-oriented projects.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Federal Housing Estate not only symbolizes progress in housing accessibility but also underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming Abia into a model of sustainable urban excellence and economic vitality.