The Surveyor General of the Federation, (SGOF) Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin has made a disclosure that Republic of Benin refused to accept a treaty in a border community dispute because it favours Nigeria, he made this remarks while hosting the Nigerian Institution of Surveying and Geo –Informatics Students (NISGS), Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa Chapter during an excursion to his office today.
While talking to the students about uprightness in the profession of surveying, he said there are many instances whereby one might be induced to compromise report in favour of one party, he said “In fact, Nigeria and Benin, Benin went as far as going to dock a trench because the communique says, when you take a course on River Agbara turn at 90 degree and wherever it hits, it’s going to hit the mouth of a river. They left the main river and went to go and dock another river and say that is the point. They now say, okay, there is a particular treaty. They accept that one, the other treaty, they didn’t accept it. Because one favored them, the other one does not favor them.”
In addition, the SGoF implored the students to take their course seriously. In his words, the SGoF said “if I was given another opportunity to go back to school, I would still study Surveying. This is not because I am the Surveyor General of the Federation”. The SGoF highlighted the importance of their course and the professional recognition of it in the Federal Civil Service as it splits into the technical and professional cadres respectively. He enjoined them not to relax on their oars urging them to proceed to the University after their Higher National Diploma in order to reap better rewards of the Surveying profession.
In attendance were some Heads of Departments; the Director Hydrography; Surv. R.O. Coker added that some of the students might have been offered the course due to lack of space in their preferred course of study. He said “I want to encourage you to face the course and maximize the opportunity given. All genders are welcomed and highly recognized. Surveying has moved from the traditional method and has tended towards the technological method however, the old method should not be forgotten”.
The Head of the Geodesy Department at OSGOF, Surv. Magaji Duniya applauded the students on the visitation. He said “it is a welcome idea for you to nurture to visit OSGOF as it is the highest body in the country and the main office concerned about the business of surveying and mapping in the country. You will see the entire operation of surveying most especially the practical aspect of it”.
The Head of Survey Coordination Department, Surv. Oga Sunday also said “Today marks a very significant day to share our knowledge and experiences that will help you. Surveying is practised in all ramifications of life. When you move, you start at a point and end at a point; there is bearing and a distance so, everybody is a surveyor”.
The Head of Finance and Accounts in OSGOF Mrs Felicitas Owamagbe enjoined the visiting students to take their studies seriously because she has been privileged to have family and work mates who are in the profession and are doing well to help themselves while contributing their quotas to the country.
Surv. Babajide Adeboye , an Assistant Director of the Geodesy Department, he said “OSGOF is the first authority as far as surveying and mapping is concerned. At the end, they will have reference in the future”. He enjoined them to utilize all that they would be taught and shown.
The school delegation was led by an Assistant Lecturer of the Department of Surveying and Geo-informatics of the Institution, Miss Augustina Ajiroghene ,she said , the student’s visit aimed to foster their knowledge of the modern tools used in Office of Surveyor General of the Federation and to have access to these technological instruments , she also added that the visit is to improve their knowledge and sharpen the ones they have garnered in school so as to shape them to be better professionals in the field of Surveying.
The representative of the students and the President of NISGS, Jethro Stephen reiterated the purpose of the excursion. He said, “As part of our academic curriculum and commitment to fostering our practical knowledge and exposure, the aim of the excursion is to provide students first-hand experience of modern technologies and operation in the field of surveying. We strongly believe that this visit will enrich the student’s understanding of this rebrand and prepare them for future challenges in this profession”. He appreciated the SGoF for numerous and impactful societal contributions as they have not gone unnoticed.
The high point of the event was a presentation of gift to the students before they were conducted round OSGOF premises in order to get familiarized with the equipment and other items that are used in the office to carry out OSGOF professional duties on day to day basis.
Signed
Henry David
Head, Information and Public Relations
OSGOF
25TH March, 2025
