Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed readiness to partner with members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers to drive development in the state.
Otti stated this on Tuesday at the Government House in Umuahia while receiving a delegation of the institution led by its President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge.
The delegation was in the state for its 2026 annual conference holding at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.
The governor said his administration is committed to collaborating with institutions and individuals that share its vision for progress.
“We consider ourselves partners to institutions and individuals who share our vision and aspiration for a better society. We have worked closely with members of this institution in Abia State, and we intend to strengthen that collaboration.
“There are many initiatives in the real estate sector that will require your involvement and that of your members. This presents an opportunity for us to deepen our partnership and work more closely together,” Otti said.
He commended the institution for choosing Abia as the host of its annual conference and Annual General Meeting for the first time, assuring the delegation of full government support.
“I will instruct my commissioners to work closely with you. Our people are also ready to provide all the necessary support you may require,” he added.
Otti also reiterated his administration’s plan to establish a five-star hotel in Umuahia to improve accommodation for visitors and organisations hosting conferences in the state.
Earlier, Alonge said the delegation was in Abia for the institution’s 2026 annual conference, themed “Corridors, Connectivity and Capital: Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments,” scheduled to hold from April 13 to April 18 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
He noted that it was the first time the state would host the conference and expressed appreciation to the governor for his support.
“I would like to appreciate Your Excellency for the cordial working relationship between members of our profession in Abia State and the state government.
“We will continue to offer our professional services in line with global best practices, while upholding our well-established code of professional ethics,” he said.
Alonge added that members of the institution had contributed significantly to the state’s development in areas such as policy formulation, land administration, asset management, housing, and project development.
He further noted that the governor’s reform initiatives and policies had opened up the state to both local and foreign investments, strengthening its economy.
The Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, commissioners for Housing, Lands and Survey, Agriculture, and other senior government officials were present at the meeting.
