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The Ceremonial Hall of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, was on Thursday transformed into a scene of pride, honour, and judicial solemnity as 240 legal practitioners from across the country were formally inducted as Notaries Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The historic event brought together members of the Bench and Bar, families, colleagues, and well-wishers who gathered to witness what stood as both a personal and a national milestone in the legal profession.

Among those inducted was an Abuja-based lawyer of growing repute, Barrister Sylvanus Uchendu, a practitioner widely respected for his diligence, discipline, and unwavering commitment to ethical legal practice.

Barrister Uchendu, who currently serves as the Legal Consultant to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Signs and Outdoor Advertisements, has distinguished himself in that role by demonstrating fairness, sound regulatory knowledge, and strong institutional loyalty.

His contribution to maintaining order and compliance in what is regarded as a highly technical and sensitive aspect of municipal administration has earned him commendation from associates and stakeholders alike.

His latest appointment as a Notary Public now marks another significant milestone in a legal career defined by service, integrity, and public responsibility, while also opening a new pathway through which he intends to further deepen his contribution to Nigerian society.

The induction ceremony was presided over by the Chief Judge of the FCT and Chairman of the FCT Judicial Committee, the Honourable Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, who in a solemn address reminded the newly appointed Notaries Public of the weighty and sensitive responsibilities now placed upon their shoulders.

He explained that under the Notaries Public Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, appointments into the office of a Notary Public are made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria only after the applicants have undergone thorough scrutiny and have been found to be fit and proper persons to occupy such an important position of trust.

Justice Baba Yusuf further emphasized that Notaries Public are officers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, vested with the authority to administer oaths, authenticate documents for use both within Nigeria and in foreign jurisdictions, and certify vital legal instruments required in commercial dealings and official transactions.

He warned the inductees against any form of carelessness or compromise, cautioning them not to notarize documents in the absence of the true owners or endorse any false statements, as doing so would not only tarnish their personal reputations but also undermine the integrity of the nation’s justice system.

According to him, the office of a Notary Public is not merely a prestigious title to be borne, but a daily call to action that demands consistent demonstrations of honesty, professionalism, and unquestionable integrity.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inducted Notaries Public, Barrister Jacob Johnson, SAN, expressed profound gratitude to the Chief Judge, the judiciary, and the various institutions involved in ensuring the success of the rigorous selection process.

He also extended appreciation to the families of the inductees, whose support and sacrifices, he noted, played a vital role in sustaining them throughout the journey. He described the process as demanding and exhaustive, and urged his colleagues to uphold the highest standards of honesty, responsibility, and fidelity to the law in the discharge of their duties, reminding them that the credibility of the office rests on their individual and collective conduct.

Following the ceremony, Barrister Sylvanus Uchendu reflected on the significance of the moment, describing his appointment as both a privilege and a profound responsibility. Speaking on what motivated him to pursue the appointment, he said his desire was largely driven by a commitment to strengthening public trust in legal documentation and authentication.

In his words, “Being a Notary Public is both a privilege and a profound responsibility; my motivation for pursuing the appointment stemmed from a desire to strengthen public trust in legal documentation and authentication.” He explained that individuals, organisations, and businesses depend daily on properly verified and authenticated documents for purposes ranging from transactions and travel to litigation and formal engagements with government agencies.

As a newly appointed Notary Public, Barrister Uchendu said he intends to make the authentication process more accessible, transparent, and in line with global best practices. He expressed particular concern for vulnerable groups, as well as small businesses and start-ups that often struggle with documentation requirements and bureaucratic hurdles.

He stated that his goal is to use the office to enhance legal certainty and ensure that ordinary citizens receive dependable, legitimate, and timely notarial services, reiterating, “My goal is to use the office to enhance legal certainty and ensure that ordinary citizens receive dependable, legitimate, and timely notarial services.”

Addressing the issue of integrity and impartiality in the face of complex or high-pressure situations, Barrister Uchendu made it clear that there would be no compromise.

He stressed that integrity is non-negotiable for a Notary Public and affirmed his personal commitment to strict adherence to due process, meticulous identity verification, and a total refusal to authenticate any questionable or suspicious document.

According to him, “Integrity is non-negotiable for a Notary Public; I am committed to strict adherence to due process, meticulous identity verification, and refusal to authenticate questionable documents.” He added that he would maintain comprehensive records, adopt secure technological tools where required by circumstances, and remain guided solely by the law rather than personal sentiment, inducement, or external pressure. The oath he has taken, he noted, binds him to permanent impartiality, neutrality, and honesty.

Offering practical counsel to Nigerians, individuals, and corporate entities seeking proper notarization, he urged them to always appear in person except where the law expressly provides otherwise, and to ensure that all documents presented for notarization are genuine, complete, and internally consistent.

He further advised businesses, especially those preparing documents meant for foreign jurisdictions, to seek guidance from qualified legal practitioners in order to avoid costly errors and to guarantee that their documents are fully recognised both locally and internationally. According to him, a properly notarized document serves as a powerful shield of legitimacy and is capable of protecting the interests of citizens at home and abroad.

Beyond this latest appointment, observers note that Barrister Sylvanus Uchendu has built a solid and commendable career rooted in service, discipline, and a strong public spirit.

His work with the Abuja Municipal Area Council has not only showcased his understanding of municipal regulations but has also demonstrated his commitment to fairness and order in an area of governance that directly affects urban planning, aesthetics, revenue, and compliance.

Those who have worked closely with him describe him as a meticulous, thorough, and trustworthy professional, qualities that perfectly align with the high expectations placed upon a Notary Public, whose responsibilities directly impact business transactions, property transfers, immigration matters, contractual agreements, and broader legal proceedings.

The significance of his induction therefore goes far beyond personal accomplishment. It represents a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system, promoting the authentic verification of documents, and safeguarding public confidence in official legal processes.

For Barrister Uchendu, the moment stands as both a validation of years of dedication to the legal profession and a fresh call to even greater national service. As he joins 239 other practitioners in this important office, he steps into a role that is pivotal to upholding legal integrity, fostering commercial confidence, and ensuring the credibility of documentation in both national and international engagements.

As the ceremony drew to a close and photographs captured the memorable occasion, there was a shared sense among attendees that the appointment of Barrister Sylvanus Uchendu as a Notary Public is not only an honour to him and his family, but a significant gain for the Nigerian public.

In a country where credible documentation is central to economic growth, social stability, and the smooth functioning of legal and governmental systems, the addition of principled professionals such as Barrister Uchendu further strengthens the nation’s framework for authenticity, transparency, and trust.

With his proven commitment to ethics, transparency, professionalism, and service, confidence remains high that the future of document authentication in Nigeria is indeed in capable and trustworthy hands.

Adding colour and warmth to the historic occasion was the presence of members of his family and close associates who joined him at the Ceremonial Hall of the FCT High Court to witness the landmark moment.

Among them were his beautiful wife, Mrs. Prisca Uchechi Uchendu; Chief Alex Eluwa from Okpofe Ezinihitte Local Government Area of Imo State; his family friend, Mr. Sylvester Chimaobi Njere and his wife, Barrister (Mrs.) R. O. Chimaobi-Njere, alongside other friends, associates, and numerous well-wishers who came to share in the joy of his elevation and to celebrate a new chapter in a life dedicated to the cause of justice and public service.

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