The former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Survey Matters, Surv. Ayokunnu Adesina has called for professionalism and enhanced quality service delivery from surveyors to uphold the credibility of the profession.
They stated that such assets are required to deepen the nation’s development.
The call was made on Wednesday at the 40th Annual General Meeting Luncheon and Investiture of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS, Lagos State branch, with the theme: ‘Leadership and Professionalism’, held at the Highpoint Event Centre and Suites, CBD-Alausa in Ikeja.
According to Fashola who spoke as the guest speaker, said professionalism and leadership are intertwined as both are required for the development of a nation and the surveying profession.
The former Minister noted that the difference between a developed and developing nation is entrenched in the type of leadership it has and professionalism of its workforce in every sector.
“Leadership and professionalism are connected. Service is what lies at the heart of leadership. The difference between professional and unprofessional behaviours is the same difference that enables nations to be categorized as developed and developing,” Fashola said.
“As an institution, you should not settle for less, in that way we can raise standards. Quality performance should not be overlooked . We should render quality service for national development. So the question is: are we as private citizens offering the best services?” he queried.
Special Adviser on Survey Matters to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Surv. Ayokunnu Adesina in his remarks, stressed that leadership and professionalism are essential qualities needed in the profession, adding that “when leadership outgrows professionalism, a perfect match will emerge.”
President of the institution, Surv. Pius Eze, represented by the Deputy President of the Kunle Ogungbadewa in his address tasked practitioners on professional behaviours. He commended the Lagos State branch for being ‘the pride’ of the national body.
His words: “The Lagos State branch continues to be the pride of the national body. The theme of this year’s meeting is important at this time as one of the challenges confronting us is leadership. I charge the new executive to foster innovations and promote professionalism. Our profession demands we remain abreast of the use of technology,” the president said.
The outgoing chairman, NIS Lagos branch, Surv. Olukolade Kasim in his remarks urged surveyors on compliance with standards in the profession.
“The future of our profession is indeed bright and promising with young and vibrant minds joining our ranks. However, we must proceed with caution as quality must always take precedence over quantity.
“With advancements in instrumentation making surveying more accessible, we must put stronger measures in place to safeguard professional standards. Our senior colleagues need to continue to lead by example. Our younger members are at a critical stage where guidance and mentorship are essential and they will naturally follow the paths we set before them,” he said.
