Surveyors urged to join politics, shape governance at 2026 AGM
Surveyors in Lagos State have been urged to actively participate in politics and governance as a means of promoting value-driven leadership and national development.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. Adewusi Ademola, stated this at the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Luncheon of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Lagos State Branch, themed: “Politics and Governance: Enhancing Value-Driven Leadership in the Professional and Political Landscape,” held at Magodo.
He emphasised that professionals in politics must steer value-driven governance, saying, “Who gets what, when and how hinges on leadership quality, which dictates people’s quality of life.”
Emphasising the need for surveyors to get involved in governance, Ademola said they play a crucial role in land administration, urban planning, and national development. He urged professionals to move beyond passive observation and become active contributors to policy formulation through research, data-driven insights, and public advocacy.
“I encourage professional bodies to take deliberate steps in promoting political awareness among their members and to create platforms for engagement in governance processes,” he said.
According to him, nation-building requires collective responsibility, driven by values such as discipline, integrity, and service.
In his remarks, APPSN Chairman, Lagos State Branch, Surv. Afolabi Olaoluwa said the gathering was more than just a statutory requirement but the cornerstone of their collective resolve to reflect on the past year, urging members to seize the opportunity for constructive dialogue while fostering innovation, collaboration, and professional development.
He noted that with advancements in technology, surveyors now deliver highly precise and real-time data for projects.
Surv. Olaoluwa advised members of the public to always consult registered surveyors before embarking on any meaningful project, affirming that their expertise helps prevent errors in land measurement, construction, and project alignment.
He also encouraged surveyors to actively participate in politics and governance, stressing that professionals must not be left out of decision-making processes that shape national development.
On land administration in Nigeria, Surv. Olaoluwa highlighted the need for urgent reforms, particularly in addressing issues such as land grabbing and inadequate housing distribution. He called on the government to take greater responsibility in providing affordable housing and ensuring that development projects benefit the general public rather than a select few.
The APPSN chairman further noted that proper land management and transparent policies would promote peaceful coexistence and restore public trust in governance, adding that adopting best practices from developed countries could significantly improve Nigeria’s land administration system.
Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Lagos State Branch, and Guest of Honour at the event, Surv. Adedeji Olanrewaju said the theme was timely and charged the body on integrity and accountability in enhancing good leadership traits.
He urged surveyors to promote best practices, mentor young professionals, and remain committed to the growth of the profession and excellence in leadership.
National Chairman of APPSN and Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Simepiriye Kalio, said the theme was a call for surveyors to rise from their slumber and compete politically, administratively, and industrially, as well as take positions at higher levels.
Present at the event, which featured the presentation of awards, were the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Area, Mr Adedayo Ladega, represented by his Vice, Mr Babawale Alogba; APPSN Vice Chairman, Surv. Adams Olugbenga, the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Onidimu of Idimu Kingdom, Oba Sarakat Adefimihan, and experts, among other stakeholders.
Photo Captions:
Pic 7489: From left: Representative of the Executive Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government Area, Mr Babawale Alogba; Representative of the Guest Speaker, Mr Adewusi Ademola; Chairman, Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Lagos State Branch, Surv. Afolabi Olaoluwa, and Representative of the Deputy President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Mr. Afolabi Sholesi, during the 2026 APPSN Annual General Meeting and Luncheon in Lagos on March 24, 2026.
Pic 7464: From left: Financial Secretary, Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Mr. Alabi Abayomi; Vice Chairman, Surv. Adams Olugbenga; Chairman, Surv. Afolabi Olaoluwa, and Secretary, Mr. John Olayiwola, during the 2026 APPSN Annual General Meeting and Luncheon in Lagos on March 24, 2026.