Oyo Ex- Commissioner, Afonja lauds Makinde’s road network initiative, donates N1m to Young Surveyors

Oyo former Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Abdulrahman Raphael Afonja (PARA), has commended Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde for his laudable initiative regarding the road network for the State, stating that over 275km has been either rehabilitated, reconstructed, or constructed.

The former Commissioner, during the three-day Harvest of IDEAS 24 summit organised by the Young Surveyors Network Oyo state branch, on Wednesday, mentioned several roads that have contributed to the state’s economic growth.

These include the Iseyin-Ogbomoso road, the Ibadan-Iseyin road, the Moniya – Iseyin road, the Ido-Eruwa road, the Oyo – Iseyin road, the Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho road, and the circular road project.

According to Afonja, these roads have contributed immensely to the economy of this state, and it is a legacy someone like me would like to accomplish in the future.

Speaking on the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Geospatial Solutions For Global Challenges’, Professor Afonja, who is the chairman of the occasion, noted that the outstanding accomplishments of the current administration could not have been achieved without the professional input of Oyo state surveyors.

He said: “Your profession is beyond surveying for roads and land projects. Your profession is vital and overlaps with many fields of study, from Engineering to Environmental to Buildings. An excellent example of your field’s contribution to humanity is using GIS. A Case study is the flooding issue in Oyo state.”

“It’s essential that Oyo state continuously identifies flood-prone areas using a GIS-based model to plan for disaster mitigation and preparedness using waterways.

“GIS is a tool to gather information, including hazard, vulnerability, financial losses, the risk of life, prevention, and control of dangerous floods.

“Frequency analysis of Gauge flow data at a given location or using an event-based rainfall run-off model using tools such as the rational or unit hydrograph method. The use of GIS tools for extrapolation is also a good example that speaks to the importance of your field.”

While encouraging the young surveyors to keep contributing significantly to the state’s development, the Ogbomoso-born PDP chieftain stated that it is their responsibility as a professional group to speak out against any government projects that are wrong.

“As you are out there as professional, please make sure that you engage government and always give them feedback on whatever you feel is not right as well as providing the government necessary informations to further help the state.

“You must always remember that Oyo state is owned by all of us. And as such, it’s your duty to always support the Governor and make sure he succeed.

“I hope to have the opportunity to assist in the state’s development in the near future as well. Additionally, ensure that nothing is lagging behind but rather step up to continue on the Governor’s good path towards the development of the state,” Afonja added.

The event’s highlights included a donation of one million naira (1,000,000) from Professor Raphael Afonja, to support the young surveyors and their conference, and a keynote speech from Prof. (Surv.) Jide Kufoniyi, who urged the young surveyors to never stop learning as technology is improving daily.

Kufoniyi tasked Oyo government on proper systematic land tenure and registration through establishment of survey coordinates & monumentation using GNSS CORS, to generate more revenue for the state.

The event was attended by Oyo House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North East 2 state constituency, Hon. Sola Owolabi; member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju state constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola and NIS Chairman, Surveyor W.A Lamidi mnis.

Others were guest speaker, Edmund Obilo; Rector The Oke-ogun Polytechnic, Dr. Sikiru Ajibola mnis and Surv. Adefabi DF mnis and Chairman of Young Surveyors Network Oyo state chapter, Surv. Ijaola Peter mnis.