By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday officially launched the aerial photographic survey of Ekiti State as part of a far-reaching Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping project designed to improve land administration and planning across the state.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti. The aircraft, equipped with specialised survey cameras, lifted off shortly after the launch, marking the start of the one-month-long aerial mapping exercise.
Addressing attendees at the event, Governor Oyebanji described the initiative as a major step toward building a more transparent and efficient land administration framework that will benefit every resident of Ekiti. He said the state government is committed to leveraging technology to streamline land-related processes, boost planning capacity, and ensure smarter allocation of resources.
Among those present at the ceremony were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; members of the State Executive Council; senior government officials; and a cross-section of traditional rulers from various parts of the state.
In a pre-event briefing with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the mapping project forms part of a broader government strategy to implement a digital land registry and planning platform. He explained that this would allow for faster, more accurate data collection that can inform decisions in areas such as urban planning, infrastructure development, agriculture, and environmental management.
Olatunbosun moved to reassure the public, stating that the operation poses no risk to safety or privacy. He confirmed that all necessary precautions have been taken and that the survey is being carried out in compliance with national security guidelines.
“This aerial mapping exercise is essential for our future. It will provide the state with accurate geospatial data to guide long-term development. Residents should not be alarmed by the aircraft’s presence; it’s a harmless and important part of a much larger effort to improve service delivery and land governance,” he said.
The GIS mapping project is expected to enhance the state’s capacity for data-driven planning and governance, offering a powerful toolset for managing growth and development in both urban and rural communities.
