Notaries Public are officers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria empowered to administer oaths, authenticate documents for use both locally and internationally, and certify instruments required in commercial and official transactions.
— Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf
Barr. Uchendu Slyvenous and wife Mrs. Prisca Uchechi Uchendu at the event
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The Ceremonial Hall of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja, was filled with pride and solemnity on Thursday as 240 lawyers from across Nigeria were formally inducted as Notaries Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Among those honoured was Barrister Uchendu Slyvenous, an Abuja-based legal practitioner widely respected for his diligence, discipline, and commitment to ethical legal practice. He currently serves as the Legal Consultant to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Signs and Outdoor Advertisements, a position in which he has distinguished himself through fairness, regulatory knowledge, and institutional loyalty. His induction as a Notary Public marks a significant milestone in his legal career and a new avenue through which he intends to deepen his service to the Nigerian public.
Barrister Uchendu Slyvenous taking the Oath of office among others inductees.
The ceremony was presided over by the Chief Judge of the FCT and Chairman of the FCT Judicial Committee, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, who addressed the inductees on the profound responsibilities they were assuming.
He explained that under the Notaries Public Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, appointments to this office are made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria only after applicants have been found to be fit and proper persons to occupy such a sensitive role.
From (Left) Barr. Uchendu Slyvenous (Mid) Chief Alex Eluwa from Okpofe Ezinihitte L.G.A of Imo State and Mrs. Prisca Uchechi Uchendu in a photograph with the celebrant.
Justice Baba Yusuf emphasized that Notaries Public are officers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria empowered to administer oaths, authenticate documents for use both locally and internationally, and certify instruments required in commercial and official transactions.
He cautioned them against notarizing documents without the presence of their true owners or endorsing any false statements, stressing that their credibility is a reflection of the integrity of the justice system. According to him, being a Notary Public is not merely a title but a call to action, demanding daily examples of integrity and professionalism.
Speaking on behalf of all the inductees, Barr. Jacob Johnson, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge, the judiciary, and the families who supported the inductees throughout the demanding process.
He described the journey as rigorous and urged his colleagues to uphold the highest standards of honesty, responsibility, and fidelity to the law as they discharge their new duties.
Following the ceremony, Barrister Uchendu Slyvenous reflected on what the appointment means to him personally and professionally. He described it as both a privilege and a profound responsibility, noting that his motivation for pursuing the appointment stemmed from a desire to strengthen public trust in legal documentation and authentication.
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.
— Barr. Uchendu Slyvenous
He explained that people and businesses rely daily on verified documents for transactions, travel, litigation, and dealings with government agencies.
As a Notary Public, he intends to make the authentication process more accessible, transparent, and aligned with global best practices, particularly for vulnerable groups, small businesses, and startups that often struggle with documentation challenges.
His goal, he said, is to use the office to enhance legal certainty and ensure that ordinary citizens receive dependable, legitimate, and timely notarial services.
My goal is to use the office to enhance legal certainty and ensure that ordinary citizens receive dependable, legitimate, and timely notarial services.
— Barr. Uchendu Slyvenous
Barrister Slyvenous also addressed how he plans to maintain integrity and impartiality in the face of complex or high-pressure situations. He noted that integrity is non-negotiable for a Notary Public and emphasized his commitment to strict adherence to due process, meticulous identity verification, and refusal to authenticate questionable documents.
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.
— Barr. Uchendu Slyvenous
He explained that he would maintain comprehensive records, adopt secure technological tools where necessary, and remain guided by the law rather than personal sentiment or external pressure. His oath, he said, binds him to impartiality, neutrality, and honesty at all times.
Offering practical advice to individuals and businesses seeking to ensure proper notarization, he urged Nigerians to always appear in person except in situations where the law provides otherwise, and to present genuine, complete, and consistent documents. He encouraged businesses, especially those preparing documents for foreign jurisdictions, to seek guidance from qualified legal practitioners to avoid errors and ensure full recognition.
According to him, a properly notarized document serves as a powerful shield of legitimacy and can protect citizens’ interests both at home and abroad.
Beyond this new appointment, Barrister Uchendu Slyvenous has built a solid career defined by service, discipline, and public-mindedness. His work with AMAC has demonstrated his deep understanding of municipal regulations, his commitment to fairness, and his dedication to maintaining order in a highly technical area of administration.
Those who work closely with him describe him as meticulous and trustworthy—qualities that align naturally with the expectations of a Notary Public whose work directly affects business transactions, property transfers, immigration processes, and legal proceedings.
The significance of his induction goes beyond personal achievement. It represents a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system by ensuring the authenticity of documents and safeguarding public confidence in official procedures.
For Barrister Slyvenous, the moment is both a validation of years of professional dedication and a call to deepen his service to the nation. As he joins 239 other legal practitioners in this new role, he steps into an office that plays a crucial part in upholding legal integrity, supporting commercial activities, and ensuring credibility in documentation.
As the ceremony drew to a close and photographs were taken, one thing was evident: the appointment of Barrister Uchendu Slyvenous as a Notary Public is not just an honour for him, but a gain for the Nigerian public. In a country where credible documents are central to economic, social, and legal activities, the addition of principled professionals like him strengthens the nation’s framework for authentication and trust.
With his demonstrated commitment to ethics, transparency, and service, the future of document authentication in Nigeria is in capable and trustworthy hands.
Joined Barr. Uchendu at the Ceremonial Hall of FCT High Court is his beautiful wife, Mrs. Prisca Uchechi Uchendu, Chief Alex Eluwa from Okpofe Ezinihitte L.G.A of Imo State, his family friend, Mr. Sylvester Chimaobi Njere and wife, Barr. (Mrs.) R.O. Chimaobi-Njere and other friends, associates and well wishers.