By Grace Simeon, Abakaliki
The people of Uburu community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have thrown their full support behind the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), describing the move as a collective decision aimed at boosting educational and socio-economic development in the area.
In a communiqué jointly signed by community leaders — HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, Chief Shedrack Onu, and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi — the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council reaffirmed that the expansion was a unanimous resolution of the host community and not the action of any individual.
The statement also exonerated the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, from allegations of land grabbing, dismissing a petition filed against him as baseless and politically motivated.
“The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU) is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council,” the communiqué read.
“The council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, declares that Senator Umahi is fully exonerated of all allegations regarding the land processes.”
The community leaders condemned the use of the Uburu community’s name by a few petitioners who, they alleged, acted in bad faith and attempted to “tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Senator Umahi and sow division within the community.”
The DUFUHSU Land Expansion Committee, chaired by Dr. Umezurike Daniel and Mr. Odi Nicholas Enyi as secretary, also issued a rejoinder detailing the transparent process that guided the land acquisition.
According to the committee, the university’s governing council had requested additional land after it was discovered that the institution’s current space of less than 20 hectares could no longer meet its growing infrastructure and academic needs.
“The committee’s terms of reference included conducting community-wide awareness, identifying affected landowners, securing written consent, and ensuring full compensation for all verified owners,” the statement explained.
“All these steps were duly followed. The committee’s work covered 29 identified landowners, all of whom received compensation and provided signed consent forms.”
The committee stressed that at no point did Senator Umahi or any government official engage in land grabbing, intimidation, or threats, insisting that every stage of the process was transparent, inclusive, and community-driven.
“We vehemently condemn the actions of a few individuals who seek to exploit the name of Umuchima village to foment division and tarnish the reputation of Senator David Umahi,” the leaders declared.
The communiqué concluded with a unified position from the various community groups, reaffirming their total support for the DUFUHSU expansion project, which they described as “a vital community initiative bringing pride, jobs, and sustainable development” to Uburu and the entire Ebonyi State.
