The Young Surveyors Network (YSN) has highlighted the importance of surveyors’ geospatial intelligence, digital tools, and innovative methods in achieving sustainable national development in Nigeria.
YSN National Chairman, Surv. Abel Oyedotun, noted that the adoption of geospatial intelligence and other surveying technologies could help the government make informed decisions about infrastructure, transportation, smart city development, disaster response, and combat insecurity through technology.
Oyedotun stated this at the 9th National Harvest of Ideas Conference organised by the Young Surveyors Network, tagged “Pacesetter 2025,” scheduled to run from November 11th to 14th, 2025, in Ibadan.
He noted that the theme of the programme, “Empowering Young Surveyors: Driving Geospatial Innovation for National Growth,” could not be more timely, as Nigeria and indeed Africa stand at the crossroads of technological transformation.
According to him, large responsibilities rest on youths, particularly young surveyors, to lead the charge in deploying geospatial intelligence, digital tools, and innovative methods for sustainable national development.
“Over the years, the Harvest of Ideas has grown beyond a conference; it has become a movement, a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and inspiration.
“It embodies our belief that great ideas can emerge from young minds, and when properly nurtured, can reshape the surveying profession and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our nation. I urge all state representatives and delegates to make the most of this opportunity: learn, connect, and innovate,” he added
Also, the Oyo State Chairman of YSN, Surv. Peter Ijaola, said that the conference has become a veritable platform where brilliant minds, forward-thinking leaders, and passionate professionals meet to exchange ideas, foster innovation, and chart a path toward a stronger, more technologically driven profession.
Ijaola said YSN in Oyo State has established a robust relationship with elders of the profession, government agencies, institutions, opinion leaders, and policymakers in the state to ensure a conducive environment for young surveyors to thrive in their chosen career and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the surveying profession and Nigeria at large.
He noted that YSN in the state is ready to offer innovative ideas and modern technology to programmes of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) for efficient service delivery.
The NIS Chairman in Oyo State, Surv. Lamidi Waheed, represented by NIS Secretary, Surv. Soji Babatunde, charged YSN to produce a well-structured communiqué based on the conference’s deliberations and resolutions, noting that such resolutions from young professionals would further bring new ideas to elevate surveying practice to enviable heights.
The Chairman of the Conference, Dr. Shina Abiola Peller, said that YSN, as a professional body, has a lot to offer to Nigeria’s development, particularly through partnerships with people in politics to craft well-informed policies in the area of sustainable ecosystems. He urged YSN members to prepare for the future of work through continuous skills acquisition.
The Conference Keynote Speaker, Surv. (Engr.) Seyi Mapaderun, said that the role of the surveyor is changing faster than at any time in history. He noted that surveyors no longer perform only land measurements but are now designers of the future.
He added that emerging technologies—drones, LiDAR, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based GIS—are redefining how surveyors capture, interpret, and visualize the world.
“The surveyor of today must be a technologist, an analyst, a communicator, and a problem-solver. But technology and innovation alone are not enough, innovation must be paired with ethics and accountability. A digital map can be altered with one click; a wrong dataset can misinform entire projects. Therefore, while our tools evolve, our values—accuracy, integrity, and professionalism—must remain steadfast”.
“Mentorship is a key strategy for the growth of any field, and that is why we must continue to mentor young professionals to keep the profession alive and build solidarity. Every generation must invest in the next. We owe it to young professionals to provide guidance, opportunity, and trust,” he added.
A Member representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Oyeshina Oyedeji, a special guest of honour at the event, urged younger surveyors to use their productive years in the surveying profession to prepare for their later years.
“Not everyone in politics is a professional, so politicians need professionals to give expert advice on project execution and policy formulation. Your positive contribution is essential to move the nation forward,” he said.
The event also featured panel sessions, an awards presentation, and goodwill messages from the Surveyor-General of Oyo State, Surv. Olusoji Adeoye; the Registrar of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria, Surv. Olakunle Olugbemiro, and other elders and Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors.
