By Mbidoaka Livinus,
Surveyor Clement Nwabichie has assumed office as the new Commissioner for Lands, Imo State, following the formal handover ceremony at the Ministry of Lands in Owerri.
Nwabichie, a former President of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) and current Chairman of the Body of Fellows, Imo State, takes over from Hon. Onuegbu, who has been elevated to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Government House, Owerri.
Speaking during the ceremony, the new commissioner said his assumption of office was not a case of entering unfamiliar territory, stressing that his over three decades of professional experience as a surveyor in Imo State had given him considerable familiarity with the sector.
He thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state and pledged to work with the ministry’s staff and other stakeholders to achieve the administration’s objectives.
Nwabichie appealed to the outgoing commissioner to remain available whenever he required advice or clarification on issues relating to the ministry.
Addressing members of staff, he assured them that his administration would operate an open-door policy, encouraging opinions, suggestions and constructive contributions that would assist him in delivering on the mandate given to him by the governor.
Earlier, the outgoing commissioner, Hon. Onuegbu, expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for giving him the opportunity to serve in the ministry.
He said the ministry recorded significant achievements during his tenure, particularly in the area of land administration and the recovery and management of government properties.
According to him, the state land registry was successfully digitalised and fully automated, a development he said had significantly improved the administration of land in the state.
Onuegbu also disclosed that the government recovered about 2,000 hectares of land at Mgbishi in Ngor Okpala, with 1,000 hectares subsequently allocated to Zion Ministry Incorporated for the development of a new city.
He further stated that the government recovered its extensive land at Eziama Obierie for the proposed Digital City in the Orlu Zone.
Another major achievement, he said, was the acquisition of over 500 hectares of land at Nkaraha, about 15 minutes’ drive from Owerri, for land banking and other developmental purposes.
The former commissioner noted that land acquisition processes had also been streamlined in accordance with the Land Use Act.
He said issues arising from the relationship between federal and state authorities over federal lands had been addressed, while the reintroduction of letters of exchange would help prevent similar friction in the future.
Onuegbu expressed confidence in the ability of his successor to consolidate the gains recorded by the ministry, noting that Nwabichie’s professional background as a surveyor gave him a strong understanding of the sector.
In her remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary and Permanent Secretary-designate, Dr. Mrs. Angela Ohiri, commended Onuegbu for his commitment, steadfastness and dedication to duty.
She said his tenure brought sanity and stability to land administration in the state and thanked him for his service to the ministry.
Ohiri welcomed Nwabichie to the ministry and assured him of the loyalty, cooperation and support of the staff as he begins his tenure.
The ceremony ended with a send-forth reception organised by the Acting Permanent Secretary in honour of Onuegbu, who is proceeding to his new assignment as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Government House, Owerri.
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