Surveyors Appeal for Extra-Ministerial Office for Surveyor General in Kaduna
By:Femi Mustapha
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) Kaduna State branch has appealed to the State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, to establish the office of the State Surveyor General as an extra-ministerial office.
The newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Kaduna State branch, Surv. Maikano Samson appealed in his speech at the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of its newly elected executives in Kaduna today.
According to him, the appeal aligns with the Federal government’s directive and the practices of States such as Kastina, Gombe, Taraba, and others.
He opined that such an office will ensure effective monitoring, documentation, and supervision of surveying activities, which are vital to the bedrock of State and national development.
“The State Government is doing a lot, and we are happy, but one thing that is lacking is the office of a Surveyor General becoming an extra ministerial office. Other States like Kastina, Niger, and Kogi are already doing this, so we want the Governor to help us establish Kaduna State as an extra Ministerial Office for Surveyor General.
“With that, he can coordinate all surveying activities; he can have documentation of all surveying activities, and chart a course for the development of the State because Surveying is for national development and it is the bedrock of all National development.
“We want to assure the society that we are sincere, we are honest and one of our basic principles is scientific honesty. We will be able to avoid all these litigation that are ongoing because quacks have taken over the job and are doing so many things that are not correct.
“So, there is a lot of litigation going on, but as professionals, we will ensure that every survey plan we submit is up to date and is accurate without any errors. Please support us on this journey for positive impact.”
Surv. Maikano also commended the outgoing executives for their dedication and contributions to the growth of the Institution, promising to continue from where they stopped while building on their achievements to take the branch to a greater height.
In response to the appeal, the Member representing Chikun constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jesse David Tanko promised to present the request before the executives to make it possible in reality.
Jesse Tanko, who was the Chairman of the occasion, noted that as a new leader in a desired profession such as surveying, challenges are bound to happen;n; hence, the new Chairman must learn to strategize, restructure, re, and collaborate.
The Legislator thanked the outgoing executives for delivering excellence during their tenure as well as for raising good representatives to take over from them adding that it is a testament to their dedication and commitment to sustaining the institution.
He, however, urged them to avail their support in various times when the need arises saying the new executives should not be left to bear the burden alone and would need all the help they can get.
Speaking also, the newly elected representative of the Council, Surv. Musa Ephraim disclosed that one of the key activities the new executives will engage in is to further collaborate and carry the young ones along so that they can also learn the new technologies involved in surveying and be effective in the service of the Nation.
“I happen to be one of the past excos as the Treasurer and today, I’m being sworn in as Council Rep. and we have been doing well in terms of catching the young ones, especially in secondary schools where we have been doing a lot of catch them young activities to let them understand the importance of studying Surveying as a course.
“To our junior ones and the elderly people who happen not to have more experience on the new technologies, we have been collaborating to improve on their existing skills so that we can all build together,” he said.
