Former Minister of Works and ex-Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, has issued a strong call for enhanced professionalism and quality service delivery within Nigeria's surveying community. He emphasized that this is not merely a matter of professional pride but a critical pillar for the nation's overall development.
Leadership and Professionalism: The Core Message
Fashola delivered this charge as the guest speaker at the 40th Annual General Meeting Luncheon and Investiture of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Lagos State branch. The event, held in Lagos, was themed 'Leadership and Professionalism'. The former minister argued that the two concepts are inseparable and fundamental for progress both in the profession and for the country at large.
He drew a direct parallel between professional conduct and a nation's developmental status. "Leadership and professionalism are connected," Fashola stated. "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." He firmly believes that the quality of leadership and the professionalism of the workforce across all sectors define a nation's trajectory.
Institutional Leaders Echo the Call
The leadership of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors strongly supported Fashola's stance. The National President, Surv. Pius Eze, represented by the Deputy President, Kunle Ogungbadewa, also advocated for exemplary professional behavior among all practitioners. He specifically commended the Lagos State branch for its outstanding performance, describing it as 'the pride of the national body'.
Adding his voice, the outgoing Chairman of the NIS Lagos branch, Surv. Olukolade Kasim, urged members to strictly adhere to the established standards of the profession. While expressing optimism about the future, he sounded a note of caution: "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."
Government Perspective on the Profession
The event also featured insights from government quarters. The Special Adviser on Survey Matters to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Surv. Ayokunnu Adesina, reinforced the centrality of leadership and professionalism. He posited that "when leadership outgrows professionalism, a perfect match will emerge," suggesting that the harmonious growth of both qualities leads to optimal outcomes for the surveying field and its contribution to society.
The consensus from the high-profile gathering in Lagos is clear: the surveying profession in Nigeria holds a significant key to unlocking national development, but this potential can only be realized through an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and uncompromising professional standards.
