Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed his readiness to partner with members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the development of the state.
Governor Otti stated this on Tuesday at Government House, Umuahia, when he received members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, who were in the state for their 2026 Annual Conference taking place at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.
The Governor said he considers the institution as sharing the same vision and aspirations with his administration for a better Abia, noting that governance is fundamentally about promoting the welfare of the people and service to the fatherland.
“We consider ourselves partners to institutions and people who share our vision and aspiration for a better place for our people.
“We have worked closely with members of this institution in Abia, and I think we will even redouble that effort.
“There are a lot of things we are doing in real estate that will require your involvement and that of your members.
“I think this offers us an opportunity to close ranks and work more closely with each other”, he stated.
Governor Otti thanked the institution for choosing to hold this year’s conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Abia State, assuring members that his cabinet would support the association.
“I would instruct my commissioners who are here to work very closely with you. I also want to say that our people are on hand to give you all the necessary support that you require”, the Governor said.
He assured members of the institution of a memorable stay throughout their five-day period of deliberations, noting that his administration is gradually putting in place the necessary infrastructure, including the Enyimba Radisson Blu Hotel, Aba, and the proposed five-star hotel in Umuahia, with a view to making Abia a first choice for national and international conferences.
Earlier in his speech, the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Dr Victor Alonge, disclosed that they were in the state for the 2026 Annual Conference of the institution holding in Umuahia on the theme: “Corridors, Connectivity and Capital: Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments,” scheduled from Monday, 13th to Saturday, 18th April.
Dr Alonge revealed that this is the first time Abia is hosting the Annual Conference and expressed delight that it is happening under Governor Otti.
He said that Abia is noted for its significant contributions to the development of the institution and thanked Governor Otti for the financial and logistical support, as well as the cordial working relationship between members of the institution and the state government.
Along, added that their members have progressively impacted the state in areas such as policy formulation, land administration, asset management, housing, and project development, among others.
He further stated that the Governor’s transformation drive and sound policies have opened up the state to local and foreign investments, which, he noted, have significantly strengthened the state’s economy.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Commissioners for Housing, Lands and Survey, as well as Agriculture, among other top government officials, were present during the visit.
