The Nigerian Cartographic Association (NCA) held its 42nd International Conference/Annual General Meeting, (AGM) Events (EKO 2021) at Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka with the theme: “Mapping & Geospatial Technology for Mapping National Security, Covid 19 and Good Governance on 18th -22nd October, 2021”.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe FAS, in his welcome remarks lauded the Association for a good job, specifically on this year’s theme which bothers on an important aspect of the Nation’s economy, security. He spoke extensively on the performance of the institution’s academic achievements in the area of good and top-notch research writing proposals while referencing to the exploit of Dr. Lawson to the gathering. He said that the Teaching and Non-teaching staff are greatly doing well with advocacy for research and writing.
He also mentioned about innovations that are ongoing at Entrepreneurship centre which has registered companies for students and given them a minimum sum of 2 million to start their businesses. The centre, he revealed has also ensured that these ideas are built to compete locally and internationally. He opened the floor for the programme to take effect.
The Chairman of the event Prof. O. Y. Balogun in his speech which centered on insecurity and good governance, emphasized the relevance of the theme of the programme because of the insecurity in the country. He therefore encouraged the government to put in place a good strategy to combat the problem of wasting lives and properties.
Prof. Andrew Obafemi, President of the Association of NCA said that the theme was selected with a view to projecting how the neglect of the contributions of professional map makers, have denied Nigeria the unquantifiable benefits which is appropriate and timely to offer to the prosecution effect of banditry and insurgency. He disclosed that these problems have continued to threaten the Nation’s security as well as the monitoring/management of Covid 19 occurrence, spread and responses recently.
He explained how Geospatial Technology has enabled good governance and could be of tremendous support to the advancement of nation building, sustainable development and recovery from the impact of the Covid -19 pandemic.
Finally, he appreciated the LOC Chairman, the entire NCA member and the Vice-Chancellor, for accommodating its Association in the University. He also appreciated the efforts of the former Surveyor-General of Federation, Surveyor Ebisinti Awudu (FNIS) and its immediate past Surveyor-General, Samuel Adeniran Taiwo whose tenure brought more recognition and inclusion among the surveying and mapping professional family in Nigeria.
Earlier, the International Delegate Council paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, in his office.
