Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has charged members of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) to be focused on developing quality geospatial data that would help Nigeria’s problems and put it on the path of enduring prosperity.
The Minister gave the charge Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating the new president and other members of the council on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari following the approval of their appointments by the president earlier.
Fashola who urged the council members to be focused and play the leadership role expected of them without fear or favour, charge them focus on improving the quantity and quality of geoscience data available to the nation as it is very important in all sectors of the economy.
“Now you know how important geospatial data is in the development of any society; the more you have, the richer you become. This is the importance of your appointment in determining those who will be playing in the field. It is the task of nation-building you were called to undertake,” the Minister said.
He also reminded them of their responsibility in developing quality human capital for the country
It’s an opportunity that is very rare to be among the few appointed by the president of the country to serve in a particular capacity.
He said, “Note that serving as manpower developers, we are helping to develop Nigerian human capital; we are helping to prepare the next generation of people who will take over from us. This is why you are here. Bcos the future of Nigeria and its prosperity is dependent solely on the quality of human capital.”
Fashola also admonished them not to put their personal interest or ego above national interest.
“Rise above your ego in carrying out your assignment; understand what matters is Nigeria, not your ego,” he said.
In his remark on behalf of the newly inaugurated council members, the new President of SURCON, Clement Nwabichie, expressed gratitude to President Buhari and the Minister for giving them the opportunity to contribute their quarter to the development of Nigeria, assuring that they will do everything possible to add value to SURCON and the entire value-chain.
“We want to assure you that within the compass of our God-given abilities, we shall work diligently, effectively, and efficiently to add value to SURCON, using the enabling Act as our holy book. We are fully aware of our responsibilities and the expectations of all and sundry. We will always seek the advice and cooperation of all to succeed.”
At the event was the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Abduganiyu Adebomehin, who is also a member of council.