NIGERIA INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS HOLD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ..... As Surveyor General of the Federation, Ex Minister, Governor, Others Identify With NIS

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"The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, being the apex mapping agency of the Federal Government Nigeria, has continued to strive to leave up to her statutory mandate by embracing new technology for improved surveying and mapping." SGOF.

"This gathering is far more than a routine professional convention. It is a critical convergence of minds committed to shaping the future of our environment, development and our national planning system." Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state.

"Geospatial intelligence is a veritable tool that Nigeria needs to power its journey through sustainable development that will guarantee unprecedented socioeconomic growth and it is crucial that our policymakers learn the importance of experts in this field as well as those in the general disciplines of town and regional planning in the governance of regional development commissions throughout the country." Prof Nebo.

Nigeria's Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF) Surv. Abudulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, was among the top dignitaries that attended the ongoing 59th  Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) which held in Enugu state, South-east Nigeria.

The AGM, with theme; Harnessing Geospatial Intelligence In The New World: Innovation and Opportunities for Sustainable Development", also had in attendance, former Minister of Power and the current Vice Chancellor, University of the Nigeria, Prof Chinedu Nebo alongside the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

The SGOF, represented at the event by a Director in the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Semiu Ayinde while addressing the media, quoted the SGOF, saying; "The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, being the apex mapping agency of the Federal Government Nigeria, has continued to strive to leave up to her statutory mandate by embracing new technology for improved surveying and mapping. 

"This has been made possible with great support of the President and Commander In Chief, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR."

Prof Nebo, in his lecture said, "Geospatial Intelligence has emerged as a transformative force in global development, integrating geographic data with cutting edge technology such as artificial intelligence, AI, machine learning, remote sensing and big data analytics.“

He explained that; "Geospatial intelligence is a veritable tool that Nigeria needs to power its journey through sustainable development that will guarantee unprecedented socioeconomic growth and it is crucial that our policymakers learn the importance of experts in this field as well as those in the general disciplines of town and regional planning in the governance of regional development commissions throughout the country."

While declaring the AGM open, the Governor of Enugu State in his remarks said, “This gathering is far more than a routine professional convention. It is a critical convergence of minds committed to shaping the future of our environment, development and our national planning system. Your work at Surveillance sits in the foundation of every meaning infrastructure project, every parcel of land properly documented, and every boundary that defines peace and conflict."

The Governor further stated that, "You are the unseen architects behind every maps future .... from the onset of this administration, we prioritised the strengthening of survey institutions. One of the landmark intervention is the procurement of real time kinematic drone instrument which has transformed our surveying process in Enugu."

He revealed that their mapping system led to the transformation in education, setting up 60 smart green schools in every single ward in the state, Farm Estate, security infrastructure, private sector investment and flagship developments projects."

The NIS President, Surv. Dr Matthew Olomolatan Ibitoye in his opening address disclosed that the Surveying and Geo informantics profession continues to play a pivotal role in the acquisition, processing and management of geospatial data in response to complex environmental and developmental challenges.

He said; "It is time for Nigeria to establish a coordinated National Geospatial Data Infrastructure in line with global best practices. Such a framework will significantly support the actualisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Seven Point agenda; especially in Infrastructural development and position geospatial intelligence as key enabler of national progress."

Commissioner of Land in Enugu State, Chimaobi Patrick Okorie while welcoming the delegates from NIS to Enugu, said that "Enugu State truly appreciate the support and the comradeship of surveyors in the land ecosystem. You have shown tremendous support and you have actually become advocates of various developmental initiatives of the Governor. 

"I would highlight the signing into law of the Enugu Geographic Information Systems Law by His Excellency and point out the huge support that this institution gave us, both at the point of review of the Bill and the passage of that Bill into law and the operationalisation of the engines like we have come to know in the Enugu Geographic Information System.

"Just last month, the state has joined in the launch of the CORS –Continuous Operating Reference System, in Enugu. We will therefore be excited and enjoin you to participate in various interactive sessions and technical sessions.’’ Okorie stated.

The Zonal Director of OSGOF in Enugu state, Surv. Mohammed Maikano took time to conduct some of the delegates from the Surveyor Generals' Office of the Federation round the newly renovated office OSGOF and also showcased the projects vehicle attached to his office. He said; "Our Oga has been so focused on the development of staff and offices that is why I took my time to show you people round as part of his commitment to development of surveying in Nigeria regardless of state or station.”

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Henry David, Head, Media and Information OSGOF.