By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
The Geoinformtion Society of Nigeria, GEOSON, says it will work towards introduction of graduate, post graduate Geographic Information System (GIS) programmes in universities.
GEOSON President, Surv. Fitka Steve Bilshakka, made this known as part of the society’s future plan in his welcome address at the 2023 GEOSON Annual General Assembly (AGA) held in Jos on Monday, a statement made available to SUMMIT POST on Monday said.
Other plans among which Surv. Bilshakka mentioned the introduction of the GIS programmes in universities includes setting up of all relevant committees and statutory bodies as prescribed by the constitution; academic programmes: seminars, workshops, etc.;
training programmes such as organisation of short courses; mandatory continuous professional development; intensifying international collaborations; and membership drive.
He challenged participating stakeholders to rise up to the occasion in the quest to place Nigeria on the globe map of geoinformtion system, given that the world is becoming increasingly geoinformtion driven.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our beloved invited guest. The generation and use of geoinformation is influencing every sector of life. Everyone generates geoinformation, everyone makes use of geo-information . The world now thinks and acts geo-information.
“Once again, I thank you for being partners in progress in our mutual efforts and collective challenge and responsibility in moving our great society to a higher level of global inclusion and relevance throughout the geo-information community.
“As partakers in this conference, let us reflect of the challenges ahead of us as professionals bodies geospatial data industry. It is recognition of our collective efforts and reaffirmation of our commitment that will lead to the progress of Nigeria,” he said.
He stressed that the theme of this year’s AGA, “Emerging Geo-information Tools and Techniques for Security and Management: Opportunities and Strategies for Nigeria”, was very apt, giving the myriad of security and other challenges, expressing the hope that the quality of papers and presenters would be able to provide the government with some solutions to the challenges.
Highlighting the progress made so far, the number one GEOSONist revealed that at present on the membership drive and certification front, the society now boasts of about 1200 fully registered and certificated members and still counting on the its website of www.geoson.ng.
At the state level, he said, “We have 26 functional state chapters right now but 23 Operational,” urging all those who have not registered to take advantage of the window and join before it is late.
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According to him, the society’s activities have received a boost in recent times in the areas of publication in the International Journal of Geoinformation and Earth Sciences, international collaboration among others.
In his speech, the host governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, affirmed the commitment of state to the advancement of geo-information in the area, adding that his government, having recognised the pivotal role geo-information plays, was poised to upgrade the state’s Geo-Information information System agency to meet international standards
He stressed the need for a seamless collaboration between the state and GEOSON in this regard.
“I am excited about the prospects of collaboration between the Plateau State Government and the Geo-information society of Nigeria. Together, we can explore avenues to harness geo-information for the economic development of our state. The potential is immense,” the governor said.