By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The need to end insecurity ravaging the country, especially in the south-east, including adopting multiple approaches to ensure peace and development of the region, dominated discussions at the Second Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Surveyors Forum, (ESF) with members proffering solutions to end the menace through surveying tools and practices. The event which was held on Friday at the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors (NIS) Imo State Secretariat, off Port-Harcourt Road, Owerri, also commemorated the 2024 Memorial Lecture in honour of Late Surv. Shadrach Wokemba; the 6th President of NIS.
Declaring the event open, the Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, hailed Nigeria Surveyors for playing positive and significant roles in providing useful information that helps governments and the private sectors in making informed decisions, effective planning and implementation. She opined that security was paramount for a developing country like Nigeria to achieve her developmental goals and sustainability, as she appreciated Surveyors for rising to the challenge to play remarkable roles in overcoming the problem. Ekomaru, pledged the readiness of the state government to support the good initiatives of the group, including collaboration towards ending insecurity.
Speaking to the participants, NIS National President, Surv. Dr. Matthew Ibitoye, said that insecurity posed great challenge to the wellbeing of the region and Nigeria at large, but added that Surveyors as critical stakeholders are ready to deploy their assets in assisting security agencies secure the safety and security of the society, as well as enhancing resilience and preparedness in case of natural disasters and other emergency situations. Beyond technical expertise, the NIS boss, urged members to be agents of positive change in the society through ethical practices as well as advocacy for transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, following the examples laid by people like Lake Wokemba.
Earlier in an address, the ESF Chairman, Surv. Chief Gabby Okeke, revealed that the group was formed towards bringing members together and articulating ideas aimed at promoting their common interests. He further noted that the Owerri AGM was timely in order to proffer solutions in tackling the menace of insecurity affecting the region’s economy adversely. While the Imo State Chairman, Surv. Dr. Kingsley Orisakwe, who expressed joy for the event, added: “That this AGM is being hosted here today is not only a unifying factor, but a home coming event for all Surveyors practicing in Igbo Land; to reactivate those virtues that not only define Igbo men and women, but make them the envy of all their neighbours.
Meanwhile, the event’s lecturer, Prof Francis Okeke of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (Enugu Campus), while describing insecurity as a state of lack of protection as well as vulnerability towards danger with attendant fear, anxiety, apprehension and other socio-economic and political negativities, also regretted its daily realities and devastating effects in the country and especially in the southeast. He averred that the need to nip in the bud the ugly situation informed the theme of the lecture: “The Role of Surveying in Fighting Insecurity in South Eastern Region of Nigeria.”
The erudite scholar, however, captivated his audience, by disclosing the capabilities of Surveyors through professional patterns and available technologies, including geospatial technology to contribute effectively in combating insecurity. He noted in this regard that geospatial technology which helps in coverage and intelligence gathering within a location, could be leveraged in environmental mapping, hotspot analyses, security surveillance and monitoring, motion detection, topographic survey, terrain analyses, land use and land cover mapping, fastest route mapping, road and pathway mapping.
Prof Okeke, further stressed the importance of multifaceted approach and collaboration with government and the already overstretched security agents in combating insecurity. He added that hence criminal and violent activities thrive within an environment, especially the ungoverned spaces, the use of geospatial intelligence, in addition to other surveying tools like surveillance balloons, drones had become indispensable towards achieving victory over the Hydra-headed challenge, and the ultimate restoration of peace, safety, stability and progress in the South-East and Nigeria generally.
“The government must leverage technology, such as the use of surveillance systems, drones, and communication networks to enhance its operational capabilities in the South-East. Real-time data and intelligence can improve decision-making and response times, making it more challenging for criminal elements to operate undetected. One of the technologies that can be employed to combat insecurity is geospatial technology. This technology helps in locating, understanding and predicting trends and patterns within an environment,” Prof Okeke, added, while urging South-Eastern governments to collaborate with Surveyors with the awareness.
The landmark event drew personalities within and outside the surveying profession, including, Imo State Head of Service, Barrister Raymond Ucheoma; NIS Deputy President, Chief Pius Eze; Vice President International, Surv. Ven A. C. Chukwuocha; former President, Surveyors Council of Nigeria, Surv. C. I. Nwabichie; the Imo State Surveyor-General, Surv. Uzodimma Odidika and his South-Eastern counterparts among others, including the Imo State Chairman, Association of Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria, Surv. Paschal Nze. The highpoint of the ceremony was award presentations, while Umuodu Alija Dancing Troupe gave the gathering beautiful colouration.
